Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A blended fat spread is a stable emulsion of water and edible fats (both milk fat and vegetable oil).
To achieve a stable emulsion, the ingredients must be mixed, homogenized, and processed in a specific sequence.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us arrange the manufacturing steps in their logical order:
1. Emulsion Formation (C): First, the calculated protein source (such as buttermilk powder or caseinates, which act as emulsifiers) is blended with the fat source (vegetable oils and milk fat) to form a stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion.
2. Stabilization (B): Next, stabilizers, salt, and other non-fat ingredients are added. The mixture is then thoroughly blended and homogenized to reduce fat droplet size and ensure a uniform emulsion.
3. Flavouring (D): Once the base emulsion is stable, sensitive ingredients like flavors and colors are added and blended to distribute them evenly throughout the mix.
4. Thermal Treatment & Packaging (A): Finally, the blended spread is pasteurized to destroy pathogens, packaged while hot to prevent contamination, and cooled to promote fat crystallization and form a stable spread.
This sequence corresponds to the order: (C) \(\rightarrow\) (B) \(\rightarrow\) (D) \(\rightarrow\) (A).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct manufacturing sequence is (C), (B), (D), (A).