Through a notification uploaded on 1 August 2017, the FSSAI has invited comments, suggestions, and objections related to the draft standards for Colostrum and Colostrum Products. These standards will be added to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 in the DAIRY PRODUCTS AND ANALOGUES regulation.
A standard for Colostrum and Colostrum Products
This standard applies to colostrum and colostrum powder in conformity with the definitions given below and will be read together with General Standard for Milk and Milk Products with reference to the
- generic provisions such as definitions of milk or milk products
- heat treatments
- guidelines for use of dairy terms
- addition of micronutrients
Description
“Colostrum” is described as the lacteal secretion from the mammary glands of cow or buffalo or a combination thereof obtained up to three to five days of parturition (after the process of giving birth) but preceding the production of milk. Colostrum typically contains fat, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and bioactive components (such as immunoglobulins and lactoferrin).
- “Colostrum-based products” are described as processed products which are derived from the processing of colostrum or from further processing of such processed products
- “Colostrum Powder” is a colostrum-based product obtained by the drying of colostrum by suitable methods while retaining the essential characteristics of colostrum.
Essential composition and quality factors for Colostrum
The products shall conform to the compositional specifications provided in the table below:
Sr. No | Parameters | Requirements |
1. | Appearance | Creamy yellow colour |
2. | Odour | Characteristic and pleasant |
3. | Taste | Characteristic and pleasant |
4. | Moisture, maximum, %, (m/m) | 80.0 |
5. | Protein, minimum, %, (m/m) | 7.0 |
6. | Fat, minimum, %, (m/m) | 4.0 |
7. | Immunoglobulins, minimum, (%) | 1.8 |
8. | Lactoferrin, minimum, (%) | 0.2 |
Colostrum powder
Raw materials – Bovine Colostrum
Essential compositional specifications are as follows
Sr. No | Parameters | Requirements |
1. | Appearance | Creamy yellow colour |
2. | Odour | Characteristic |
3. | Taste | Characteristic |
4. | Moisture, maximum, %, (m/m) | 4.0 |
5. | Protein, minimum, %, (m/m) | 40.0 |
6. | Fat, minimum, %, (m/m) | 17.5 |
7. | Ash, maximum, %, (m/m) | 9.0 |
8. | Immunoglobulins, minimum, %, (m/m) | 12.5 |
9. | Lactoferrin, minimum, %, (m/m) | 3.3 |
10. | Scorched particle content, max | Disc B (15 mg) |
Food Additives
- Colostrum shall NOT contain any food additives.
- Colostrum powder may contain stabilizers, emulsifiers, and antioxidants as specified for milk powder in Appendix ‘A’ of these regulations and only within the limits specified.
Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues:
The product shall comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulations, 2011.
Hygiene
- The product shall be prepared and handled in accordance with the requirements specified in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 and other guidelines as may be specified from time to time under the FSS Act 2006.
- The product shall conform to the microbiological requirements specified for milk powder in Appendix B of these regulations.
Labeling
- The product shall be named as “colostrum” or as “colostrum powder” as the case might be.
- Other labeling requirements must be in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011 shall apply to a pre-packaged product.
Method of sampling and analysis
The methods of sampling and analysis mentioned in the manuals as specified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India from time to time shall be applicable.
Vilas says
Given the excellent properties of Colostrum powder, could it be used as an ingredient in manufacture of ice creams? The high ash content could pose a problem, though.Is there any commercial production of Colostrum powder?