Parameters Tested
Milk Fat
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. So, a higher amount of milk fat is better for consumers.
- As per FSS Regulations, milk fat in dahi prepared from standardised milk shall be a minimum 4.5 per cent. Only Amul Premium Dahi was made from standardised milk and fat content in it was found to be 4.58 per cent.
- Milk fat in dahi prepared from toned milk shall be a minimum 3.0 per cent. It was above the prescribed limit in all brands as per the lab tests. Nestle a+ (3.12 per cent) had the highest percentage of milk fat.
- As per FSS Regulations, milk fat in dahi prepared from double-toned milk shall be a minimum 1.5 per cent. It was above the prescribed limit in all brands. Danone (2.11 per cent) had the highest percentage of milk fat.
- As per FSS Regulations, SNF in dahi prepared from standardised and toned milk shall be a minimum 8.5 per cent. It was above the prescribed limit in all brands. Mother Dairy Classic (9.51 per cent) had the highest percentage of SNF.
- As per FSS Regulations, SNF in dahi prepared from standardised and toned milk shall be a minimum 8.5 per cent. It was above the prescribed limit in all brands. Mother Dairy Classic (9.51 per cent) had the highest percentage of SNF.
- Highest calcium was found in Nestle Acti Plus Probiotic (197.98 mg/100 gm).
SNF Milk Type
Apart from fat, all other solids such as caseins, whey proteins, lactose, vitamins and minerals together make up solids not fat. As all nutrients are required by the body, higher SNF quantity is better.
Solids Not Fat (SNF)
Apart from fat, all other solids such as caseins, whey proteins, lactose, vitamins and minerals together make up solids not fat. As all nutrients are required by the body, higher SNF quantity is better.
Calcium
Calcium is a necessary nutrient that helps to form and maintain strong bones and teeth. As per Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2011, by National Institute of Nutrition, requirement of calcium for a young man/ woman is 600 milligrams per day. So higher is better for consumers.
For General Qualities
Packaging
All the brands were packed in plastic tub with lid of plastic and aluminium laminate.
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:
- Name of the product
- Trade name, if any
- Name and address of manufacturer
- Batch or code number
- Net quantity in gm or kg
- Date, month and year of manufacture
- The words ‘Best before’ (day to be indicated)
- Nutritional information
- FSSAI license number
- Storage information
- Maximum retail price (MRP)
- Customer-care details