Question:

Given below are two statements regarding manufacturing of sodium caseinate:
Statement (I): Very high viscosity of sodium caseinate solutions of moderate concentration, limits the solids content to 40% for spray drying.
Statement (II): Formation of a relatively impervious, jelly-like, viscous coating on the surface of casein particles impedes their dissolution on addition of alkali.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

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Sodium caseinate behaves as a highly viscous hydrophilic colloid.
Unlike skim milk or whey concentrates (which can be dried at \(45-50\%\) total solids), sodium caseinate solutions are so viscous that they can only be spray-dried at a maximum of about \(20-22\%\) total solids.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
  • Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
  • Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sodium caseinate is produced by dissolving wet acid casein curd in water using a suitable food-grade alkali, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
Understanding the rheological behavior of sodium caseinate solutions is important for optimizing the concentration and spray-drying processes.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
- Statement (I): Sodium caseinate solutions exhibit very high viscosity even at moderate concentrations.
At concentrations above \(20\%\) solids, the viscosity increases exponentially, making the solution difficult to pump and atomize.
Therefore, the solids content of sodium caseinate feed intended for spray drying must be limited to approximately \(20\%\) to \(22\%\), not \(40\%\).
Thus, Statement (I) is incorrect.
- Statement (II): During the dissolution of acid casein curd with an alkali, local concentrations must be carefully controlled.
If the alkali is added too rapidly, a highly concentrated, jelly-like, viscous layer of sodium caseinate forms on the surface of the casein particles.
This gel layer is relatively impervious and slows the penetration of water and alkali into the core of the particles, hindering dissolution.
Thus, Statement (II) is correct.

Step 2: Final Answer:

Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.
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