How can a consumer distinguish a quality cheese from a product that may contain starch or other substitute ingredients? This was the topic of discussion on the show “Mes Drite” on Vizion Plus, where the dean and food safety expert, Kapllan Sulaj, was invited.
The expert explained that the presence of starch cannot be confirmed with certainty just by looking at the product, but through specific laboratory tests.
“In fact, an expert can even confirm that cheese has additives such as starch, but it is the tests that verify it accurately. The tests are simple; through color change indicators, the presence of starch can be confirmed,” Sulaj said.
However, he stressed that the use of starch in cheeses marketed in Albania has been significantly reduced in recent years.
“The use of additives was widespread in Albania a few years ago, but it has been greatly reduced. I don’t believe that today production or commercial entities have cheese with starch, because it is easy to identify,” he said.
What should the consumer check?
According to the expert, the first element to look at is the product label. Quality cheese should have a simple composition, with milk, bacterial ferments, yeast and salt.
Another indicator is the aroma, which varies according to the type of milk.
“Goat and sheep cheese have the characteristic aroma of the species, while cow cheese has less of an odor. Today we also find cheeses with mixed milk and this is not prohibited, but it must be declared on the label,” Sulaj explained.
Is price an indicator of quality?
The expert advises consumers to be careful with products sold at very low prices.
“A cheese with a very low price cannot be released on the market. Cheese remains an expensive product because the ratio is 1 to 10; from 10 liters of cow’s milk, 1 kilogram of cheese is obtained.”
However, he emphasized that even a high price does not necessarily guarantee quality.
“Prices are set by the market and competition. A high price can also be artificial due to market abuses, so it is not always a sure indicator of quality.”
Beware of street shopping
Sulaj called on citizens to avoid purchasing cheese under inappropriate conditions.
“I would never suggest buying on the street outside of hygienic-sanitary conditions and the cold chain. Markets offer better storage conditions. Also, artisanal products that are known for respecting standards are a very good choice.”
He added that Albanian and European Union legislation do not allow the addition of starch to cheese, while in cases where other ingredients, such as palm oil, are used, they must be declared on the label.
The expert emphasized that choosing a product with a clear composition, stored in appropriate conditions and from producers who respect standards remains the best way to guarantee safe consumption with nutritional value./vizionplus.tv