Brands Tested
Unit Price (per 100 gm)
The unit price gives a fair idea about the cheapest and costliest brands.
Parameters Tested
Moisture Content
As per FSS Regulations, moisture content shall not be more than 60 per cent for processed cheese spread. So, lower is better for consumers.
Milk Fat on Dry Basis
Fat is an essential part of any balanced diet, providing fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins and a concentrated source of energy. As per Dietary Guidelines for Indians by National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, 2011, diets of young children and adolescents should contain about 30 grams to 50 grams fat per day.
As per FSS Regulations, milk fat on dry basis shall not be less than 40 per cent for processed cheese spread. So, higher is better for consumers.
Bacterial Contamination
Bacterial Contamination is a serious issue for all food products. We conducted tests for total plate count, coliform, E. coli and Salmonella.
Total Plate Count (TPC)
Total plate count is the amount of viable bacteria in a food product and serves as a key indicator of the product’s overall quality and safety. As per Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, total plate count in processed cheese/cheese spread should not be more than 75,000 per gram.
Coliform Bacteria Count
Presence of coliform bacteria is suggestive of unsanitary conditions or practices during production, processing, or storage. As per Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, coliform bacteria count in processed cheese/cheese spread should be less than 10 per gram.
E. Coli
Unlike many other disease-causing bacteria, E. coli can lead to an infestation even if ingested in a small amount. As per Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, E. coli bacteria count in processed cheese/cheese spread should be absent per gram.
Salmonella
Salmonella, the name of a group of bacteria, is one of the most common causes of food poisoning. As per Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, Salmonella in processed cheese/cheese spread should be absent per 25 grams.
For General Qualities
Marking
The following information shall be clearly and indelibly marked on the label of each container/ packet as per Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations and Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules:
All the tested brands were packed in plastic film.
All brands had labelling as required by the rules and regulations.
Customer-Care Details
As per Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, every package shall bear the name, address, telephone number, and email address, if available, of the person who can be – or the office that can be – contacted in case of consumer complaints.