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The microbiological quality of dairy products from small-scale producers in Serbia was analysed. A total of 302 dairy products [raw (n = 111) and pasteurized milk cheeses (n = 79) and kajmak (n = 112)], were collected and tested for the presence of pathogens, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp., and enumerated for Coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS), Escherichia coli, and yeasts and moulds. None of the samples tested positive for Salmonella spp., while L. monocytogenes was recovered from one raw milk cheese and five kajmak samples. Raw milk cheese and kajmak also had higher levels of indicator microorganisms, namely E. coli and yeast and moulds. Molecular serotyping grouped L. monocytogenes isolates into serogroups 1 (1/2a and 3a) and 3 (1/2b, 3b, and 7). When exposed to eight antibiotics, L. monocytogenes isolates were mostly sensitive, with the exception of oxacillin and reduced susceptibility to clindamycin, penicillin G, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, emphasizing the importance of continuous surveillance for antimicrobial resistance. Samples that tested positive for Listeria spp. also had higher loads of indicator microorganisms, namely E. coli and yeast and moulds, suggesting lapses in hygiene practices during production. Collectively, these data emphasize the need for improved food safety and hygiene practices among small-scale dairy producers. This is crucial to reduce the microbial contamination and improve both the quality and safety of dairy products in the Serbian market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kajmak, a traditional Serbian dairy product, is a top, crust layer of milk containing a high amount of aggregated milk fat and proteins, formed during long cooling of boiled milk. Due to variations in production technologies, environmental conditions, and the composition of raw milk which varies from region to region, the quality of kajmak produced traditionally in households is very inconsistent. Attempts to produce kajmak in the industry environment (dairy plants) turned out to be highly challenging in terms of achieving a uniform quality and safety of the product. In order to have a deeper insight into the quality of kajmak produced by the traditional manufacture and the industry, the main objective of the study was to investigate sensorial, physicochemical, and textural properties of kajmak produced in households and dairy plants and distributed through open markets and retail stores, respectively. A total of 36 samples of kajmak were analyzed for thirteen quality characteristics. The results obtained showed a high variability in kajmak quality. The study applied a mathematical calculation of a single total quality index (TQI) that makes all quality attributes comparable. Based on the obtained results, it was determined that kajmak produced in households had a better TQI, which leads to the conclusion that in terms of kajmak quality, the traditional production method is still superior to the industrial one. The correlation between the examined quality characteristics was investigated using Pearson's bivariate correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). By applying PCA, four principal components highlighting the most important quality characteristics were extracted. The results of the study suggest that further research on the quality of this valuable dairy product, as well as government support and investment in the small scale dairy sector, could be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fortification of fermented dairy products with insoluble dietary fiber is an interesting way to increase consumers' fiber intake. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensory characteristics and consumer acceptance of low-fat unsweetened yoghurt, fortified at levels of 15 and 30 g/kg, with insoluble triticale, wheat or oat fibers. The addition of insoluble triticale fiber resulted in yellowish-brown color, grainy flavor, and pronounced sandiness/grittiness of the fortified yoghurts. The products were classified into the ‘very good’ quality category, despite the lower quality scores given to the 30 g/kg fiber-fortified yoghurts, caused primarily by a gritty/sandy texture and some bitterness. Three distinct consumer subgroups were revealed by the clustering analysis, one of which showed a preference for the triticale-yoghurts. Insoluble dietary fiber from triticale showed promising potential to be used as a fortifying ingredient in the production of fiber-enriched fermented dairy products such as yoghurt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this paper was to assess the environmental performance of the production of six types of dairy products/pasteurized and ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, yoghurt, cream, butter and cheese/from seven dairy plants of different capacities processing 36% of raw milk in Serbia. A total of 29 life cycle assessment calculations have been performed to identify and quantify the environmental impacts from a cradle-to-grave perspective covering three subsystems: ‘dairy farm’, ‘dairy plant’ and ‘waste and waste water treatment’. Structured surveys in selected dairies have been conducted in order to collect life cycle inventory input data. Six environmental impact potentials were calculated in this study: global warming potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, ozone layer depletion, photochemical smog and human toxicity. The focus of the research was put on global warming potential, acidification potential and eutrophication potential. As a general finding, this study confirmed previous research that the largest contributor to the environmental profile is the raw milk production at dairy farms. Contributions of the dairy processing plants are mainly due to energy requirement and inputs of goods at the dairy gate. Mitigation options for optimization of environmental impacts rely on the choice of the production/packaging portfolio, energy fuel profile, water optimization and waste management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]