Food Additives in mozzarella Cheese: A Contribution for a Correct Analytical Determination

Abstract

Mozzarella is an unripened cheese widely consumed worldwide. Due to short shelf-life of these products, the addition of few food additives, such as citric acid and lactic acid is allowed by the actual Legislation. However, these two compounds are present in the aqueous phase of milk, making difficult a correct discrimination between products with added food additives from those declared as "with no added food additives". This work is collocated in this contest. It may be considered as a contribution for a correct food additives determination in mozzarella cheese. 14 samples (7 with citric acid declared on the label and 7 without declared food additives) were analysed, by using a reliable analytical method by ion chromatography with conductivity detection, for the quantification citric acid. The results were compared in order to verify a statistically significant difference between two data populations. The same samples were analysed, by using a validated ion chromatography with conductivity detection method, for the determination of lactic acid, and the results were evaluated in order to give a contribution to the determination of a maximum natural level of lactic acid in mozzarella cheese, in products without added food additives. Regarding citric acid, a cutoff value, equal to 0.65 g kg-1 was suggested as maximum admissible level in products without added food additives; while, as it concerns lactic acid, a maximum level corresponding to 4.0 g kg-1 was suggested.