Question

The permissible limit (M) of yeast and mold count (cfu) as process hygiene criteria in chhana based sweets is

• A. \(1.5 \times 10^5 \text{ /g}\)
• B. \(1.5 \times 10^4 \text{ /g}\)
• C. \(1.5 \times 10^1 \text{ /g}\)
• D. \(1.5 \times 10^2 \text{ /g}\)

Hint:

To convert common limits to scientific notation:
\[ 150 \text{ cfu/g} = 1.5 \times 10^2 \text{ cfu/g} \] Knowing the standard limit is \(150\text{ cfu/g}\) makes identifying Option (D) straightforward.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Microbiological standards for dairy products in India are regulated by FSSAI using a three-class sampling plan.
This plan specifies:
- \(n\): number of sample units to be tested.
- \(c\): maximum allowable number of marginal sample units between \(m\) and \(M\).
- \(m\): satisfactory limit (values below \(m\) are acceptable).
- \(M\): maximum permissible limit (any value above \(M\) is unacceptable).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
For chhana-based traditional sweets (such as Rasgulla and Sandesh), yeast and mold counts serve as critical indicators of hygiene during post-processing packaging and handling.
According to FSSAI standards:
- The lower microbiological limit (\(m\)) for yeast and mold count is set at \(50\text{ cfu/g}\).
- The maximum permissible limit (\(M\)) is set at \(150\text{ cfu/g}\).
Mathematically, \(150\) can be expressed in scientific notation as: \[ 150 = 1.5 \times 100 = 1.5 \times 10^2 \] Therefore, any sample unit exceeding \(1.5 \times 10^2 \text{ cfu/g}\) represents a serious failure in GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and sanitary controls, making the batch unsaleable under process hygiene criteria.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The maximum permissible limit (\(M\)) for yeast and mold count in chhana-based sweets is \(1.5 \times 10^2 \text{ /g}\) (which is \(150\text{ cfu/g}\)).