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Field guide8 Curing Problems: How to Diagnose, Fix, and Prevent Them
Ingredient

Milk Proteins and Dairy Ingredients

Milk powder, caseinate, whey ingredients, cream and related dairy materials used for binding, emulsification, flavour, colour or culinary identity in meat products.

Skim milk powder, whole milk powder, caseinate, whey protein, cream and fresh milk have different protein, fat, lactose and moisture contents.

Dairy proteins can support water binding, fat stabilisation, browning and texture. Lactose and minerals can also influence flavour and processing behaviour.

Caseinates and some whey proteins can strengthen fine batters, but their effect depends on pH, salt, heat and addition order. They do not rescue a broken or overheated matrix reliably.

Milk or cream may define the tenderness and flavour of particular sausages, mousses or forcemeats. Such culinary use should be distinguished from industrial functional addition.

Every dairy source requires accurate allergen control and declaration. Product standards and protected specifications may prohibit or limit added milk proteins.

Specify the exact material, composition, dose and water contribution. Revalidate texture, yield, heating and label information when changing supplier or ingredient type.

Related in the Codex

References

  • https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/fsis-directives/7120.1
  • https://www.fda.gov/media/164194/download
  • https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/codex-texts/codes-of-practice/en/