A study on the presence of imitation cheese on the market

In this study, it is aimed to reveal the imitation (adulteration) status of some suspicious cheeses offered for sale in the market. For this purpose, 12 white, 10 kaşar, 10 tulum, 6 village cheese and 3 processed cheese samples were taken from different markets and bazaars, and the imitation situation was tried to be revealed. According to the results obtained; most of the white cheese samples (approximately 33,3%) were not found to comply with the Turkish Food Codex Cheese Communiqué in terms of dry matter and fat content in dry matter (FDM). In addition, it was determined that some of the examined white cheese samples were offered for sale with the full-fat label, whereas they were in the semi-skimmed class. The presence of starch and foreign fat was not found in the samples. Most of the kashar cheese samples were not found suitable for the communiqué in terms of dry matter ratio. In terms of FDM value, except for three samples, the label information of the other samples does not match with the analysis results. The presence of starch and foreign oil was not found in the kashar samples. Dry matter values ​​of 60% of tulum cheese samples were not found in accordance with the Cheese Communiqué. It was determined that two samples were sold as full-fat tulum cheese in terms of FDM ratio, but they were semi-skimmed cheese according to the communiqué. Starch and foreign fat were detected in 40% of tulum cheese samples. The dry matter values ​​of 3 samples of village cheeses are lower than the values ​​stated in the communiqué. Two samples were labeled as semi-fat, but these samples were found to be in the low-fat class. Starch and foreign fat were not found in any of the village cheese samples. The dry matter value of only the 1st sample among the processed cheese samples was found below the value given in the Communiqué. Although one sample was labeled full-fat, it was in the low-fat class. The presence of starch and foreign fat was not found in any of the processed cheese samples. As a result; although it is prohibited by the relevant legislation, the production and sale of imitated (adulterated) cheeses are made in our country.