Off-Flavor Development in Milk Packaged in Polyethylene-Coated Paperboard Cartons

¹ Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824

Development of a packaging flavor in milk packaged in half-pint (236-m1) polyethylene-coated paperboard cartons was investigated. Whole milk, low fat milk, skim milk, and water were filled into polyethylene-coated cartons. Milk and water in glass containers were used as control. Products were evaluated by a 10-member sensory panel using a paired comparison test after 1, 3, and 6 d of storage at 2.2°C. Panelists were selected based on their ability to detect milk off-flavors. Container size and package heat sealing were also investigated as variables affecting packaging flavor.

Packaging flavor developed in milk and water packaged in half-pint cartons after 1 d of storage. There was no significant increase in the off-flavor intensity in milk following 3 d of storage. Milk packaged in half-pint cartons had a more intense packaging flavor than milk in quart (946-ml) and half-gallon (1890-ml) cartons after 6 d (P .O5). Off-flavor development was not due to the package heat-sealing process in the dairy.

Key Words: milk, off-flavor • polyethylene-coated cartons

Submitted on September 25, 1991
Accepted on March 10, 1992