Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sweetened condensed milk is resistant to most common microorganisms due to its high osmotic pressure (low water activity).
However, osmophilic (sugar-tolerant) microorganisms can survive and grow in this environment, causing specific spoilage defects.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the action of osmophilic yeasts in sweetened condensed milk:
- Torulalactis condensi (also classified as Torulopsis condensi or Candida condensi) is an osmophilic yeast capable of growing in sugar concentrations exceeding 60%.
- When it contaminates sweetened condensed milk, it ferments the added sucrose, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)) gas.
- Since the product is sealed in airtight cans, the accumulated \(\text{CO}_2\) gas generates internal pressure, causing the can to swell, distort, and eventually blow out.
- This specific defect is known as bloating or "blowing" of the can.
- Let us review the other options:
- Bacterial thickening is caused by proteolytic bacteria.
- Mould buttons are caused by molds growing on the surface of the milk.
- Souring is caused by acid-producing bacteria under lower sugar conditions.
Therefore, contamination with Torulalactis condensi causes bloating.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Contamination with Torulalactis condensi causes bloating. Hence, the correct option is (A).