ABSTRACT

The constituents of ten milk samples packaged in small sachets were analyzed and values obtained compared with values indicated on the labels of the brands. The samples were analyzed for total solids (TS), protein, fat, Solids-Not-fat (SNF), lactose, ash, energy, calcium and phosphorus and the values converted to liquid milk equivalent (LME). The results showed that the analyzed samples averaged 12.5% TS, 3.60% protein, 3.60% fat, 8.99% SNF, 4.60% lactose, 0.69% ash and 0.67 Kcal/g of energy. The mean values indicated on the labels were 12.54, 3.30, 3.50, 9.00, 4.75, 0.75% and 0.67 kcal/g forTS, protein, fat, SNF, lactose, ah and energy respectively. The mean Ca:P ratio value of 1.3 was obtained in the analyzed samples. The label and analyzed values differed significantly (P<0.50). Analyzed TS values were significantly higher (P<0.05) in Apex, Blue-boat, Cowbell, Lactorich and Miksi. Mean protein values for Apex, Blue-boat, Cameo, Lactorich, Miksi and Milcow brand were superior (P<0.05) to the mean label values. Similarly, analyzed values for fat in Apex, Blue-boat, Dano, Lactorich and Miksi differed (P<0.05) from the corresponding label values. Labelled lactose values in Apex, Dano, Lactorich, Miksi and Peak were significantly higher (P<0.01) than the analyzed values. Similarly, labeled ash values were higher (P<0.05) compared with the analyzed values in Apex, Blue-boat, Carnco, Dano, Lactorich, Miksi and Milcow. There were high significant (P<0.01) and positive correlations between fat and lactose and lactose and SNF in the analyzed samples. The overall results tend to indicate that Apex, Cameo and Lactorish brands were superior to Blue-boat, Dano, Milcow, Peak and Three-crowns. Cowbell and Miksi could be rated as low quality brands.