Question:

Given below are two statements
Statement I: The wettabilty of milk powders is affected by crystallization of lactose.
Statement II: Storage of milk powder above glass transition temperature is detrimental to wettability as it promotes lactose crystallization and caking.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below

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Storing milk powder below its glass transition temperature (\(T_g\)) prevents lactose crystallization, caking, and surface fat migration, thereby maintaining the wettability of the powder.
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are true
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are false
  • Statement I is true but Statement II is false
  • Statement I is false but Statement II is true
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Wettability is a physical property of milk powder that describes its ability to absorb water and sink below the water surface during reconstitution.
This property is influenced by the physical state of lactose and the storage conditions of the powder.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Freshly spray-dried milk powder contains lactose in an amorphous, glassy state.
Amorphous lactose is highly hygroscopic and readily absorbs water.
If the milk powder is stored under conditions where the temperature exceeds its glass transition temperature (\(T_g\)), the lactose transitions from a glassy to a rubbery state.
In this rubbery state, the increased molecular mobility allows the amorphous lactose to crystallize into \(\alpha\)-lactose monohydrate.
Lactose crystallization can have several effects:
It expels water, which is then absorbed by adjacent particles, leading to liquid bridging and caking.
It expels entrapped fat to the surface of the powder particles, creating a hydrophobic surface layer.
This hydrophobic layer and the caked structure restrict water penetration, reducing the wettability of the powder.
Thus, both Statement I and Statement II are true.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
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