Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): The presence of antibiotics in milk can deactivate the starter culture activity.
Statement (II): However, there is no effect of detergents in milk on starter culture activity.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are false.
• C. Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

Both antibiotics and sanitizer/detergent residues act as chemical inhibitors that can deactivate starter cultures, which is why thorough rinsing of dairy equipment is essential.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Dairy starter cultures are highly sensitive to chemical inhibitors in milk, which can slow down or completely halt the fermentation process.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:

• Statement (I): Trace residues of veterinary antibiotics (such as penicillin or streptomycin) excreted in milk inhibit the growth and acid production of lactic acid starter cultures, causing starter failure. Thus, Statement (I) is True.

• Statement (II): Chemical residues from sanitizers and detergents (such as quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorine, or iodophors) left on poorly rinsed equipment can also contaminate milk. These chemical residues have a strong inhibitory effect on starter cultures, deactivating or slowing down their fermentation activity. Thus, Statement (II) is False.

Step 3: Final Answer
Statement (I) is true, but Statement (II) is false.