FT-Raman spectroscopy has been explored as a quick screening method to evaluate the presence of lactose and identify milk powder samples adulterated with maltodextrin (2.5-50% w/w). Raman measurements can easily differentiate samples of milk powder, without the need for sample preparation, while traditional quality control methods, including high performance liquid chromatography, are cumbersome and slow. FT-Raman spectra were obtained from samples of whole lactose and low-lactose milk powder, both without and with addition of maltodextrin. Differences were observed between the spectra involved in identifying samples with low lactose content, as well as adulterated samples. Exploratory data analysis using Raman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis was also developed to classify samples with PCA and PLS-DA. The PLS-DA models obtained allowed to correctly classify all samples. These results demonstrate the utility of FT-Raman spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics to infer about the quality of milk powder.

Few reports describe the effect of lactose hydrolysis on the properties of milk powder during production and storage. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of five different levels of enzymatic lactose hydrolysis during the production and storage of milk powder. As the lactose hydrolysis rate increased, adhesion to the drying chamber also increased, due to higher levels of particle agglomeration. Additionally, more brown powder was obtained when the lactose hydrolysis rate was increased, which in turn negatively affected rehydration ability. Using Raman spectroscopy, crystallization of the lactose residues in various samples was assessed over 6 weeks of accelerated aging at a room temperature environment with 75.5 % of air moisture.Products with 25% or greater lactose hydrolysis showed no signs of crystallization, in contrast to the non-hydrolyzed sample.

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