HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Rogers, L. A. Articles by Evans, A. C. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Rogers, L. A. Articles by Evans, A. C.

The Cause and Control of "Buttons" in Sweetened Condensed Milk

Research Laboratoy of the Dairy Division, Bureau of Animal Industry United States Department of Agriculture

ABSTRACT

"Buttons" are hard, reddish-brown lumps of curd occurring on sweetened condensed milk.

They are caused by the growth of Aspergillus repens and possibly other molds. The development of the mold colony is restricted by the exhaustion of the oxygen in the can and the button itself is probably due to enzym action continued after the death of the mold.

Molds are destroyed in the process of condensing milk, and the contamination causing buttons occurs after the milk leaves the pan. Careful attention to sanitation of the plant, expecially protection against dust, should be effective in excluding the greater part of the contamination.

Buttons do not develop in milk held at 20°C. (68°F.), but cold storage is probably not practicable under commercial conditions.

Molds do not grow in an atmosphere deficient in oxygen, and sealing the cans under a vacuum of 20 inches or more is an effective means of controlling buttons.

¹ The authors are indebted to Mr. E. F. Deysher for assistance in preparing milk used inoculation