ADULTERATION OF MILK AND SOUR CREAM IN THE CONSUMER MARKET OF THE PENZA REGION

Abstract

The aim of this study was to detect qualitative adulteration of milk and sour cream sold in retail chains in the city of Penza. Samples of milk with 3.2% fat and sour cream with 15% fat from three major brands were analyzed: “Molkom” (JSC “Penza Dairy Company”), “Prostokvashino” (JSC “Unimilk”) and “Zelenaya Liniya” (JSC “Torgovyy Dom - Perekrёstok”). Consumer-accessible methods were employed: organoleptic assessment, milk density measurement using a lactodensimeter, phenolphthalein and acetic acid tests for alkaline additives, iodine test for starch detection, and a hot water solubility test for cottage cheese adulteration in sour cream. The “Zelenaya Liniya” milk sample demonstrated a density below the permissible limit (1.024 g/cm³), indicating water dilution. Protein flakes indicating cottage cheese addition were found in all sour cream samples. Starch was detected only in the “Zelenaya Liniya” sour cream. The “Molkom” brand was recognized as the highest quality. The findings confirm that adulteration persists even among products of large manufacturers, highlighting the importance of simple express quality control methods for consumers. The novelty of the study lies in the integrated application of accessible testing techniques to real dairy samples in a regional market.