Slightly damp and clumped powdered milk can still be consumed with peace of mind
The most common reason for powdered milk clumping is due to moisture absorption. Powdered milk is a highly dry powder, which makes it very susceptible to moisture absorption. If the air humidity is high, or if the powder is damaged, opened for a long time, or not sealed properly, then it is likely to be exposed to moisture and clump. Some clumping may also be caused by good intentions, such as fearing that milk powder may become spoiled in the summer and storing it in the refrigerator. However, frequent removal and storage may lead to temperature differences that cause condensation on the inside walls of the milk powder can. If the powdered milk has only undergone slight clumping due to moisture absorption and the clumps can easily be dispersed by stirring, then it can be safely consumed without affecting either absorption or nutritional value; only dissolution may be delayed. However, if the clumps are hard and require crushing to be broken down, it is advised not to consume them, as they may be contaminated with a risk of microbial infection.
If the powdered milk has only absorbed moisture and is lightly clumped but can easily be dispersed by stirring, then it can be safely consumed without affecting its nutritional value and absorption, although it may be less easily soluble. However, if the clumps are hard and require crushing to be broken down, it is advised not to consume them, as they may be contaminated with a risk of microbial infection.
In some cases, clumping of powdered milk is not due to moisture absorption but instead is what is known as "false clumping"
Sometimes, even when the packaging is intact and newly opened, small lumps may be found inside that can be easily separated with a spoon or chopsticks. This is called " false clumping” and can occur due to two common reasons. One is due to the vibration and collision of powdered milk particles during transport and storage, leading to electrostatic adsorption. The second reason is due to a prolonged shelf time with no movement, such as when the powdered milk has remained on the shelf for an extended period. Pseudoclumped powdered milk can still be safely consumed.
However, there is another reason why powdered milk may clump, and that is due to the presence of small insects after the package has been opened. If the consumer discovers live insects in the powdered milk, it is highly likely that the cause of this is due to improper storage, such as damaged outer packaging, improperly sealing the lid, or not sealing the bag during storage, allowing insects to crawl inside unnoticed.
In the process of preparing powdered milk, there is also a situation commonly referred to as "clumping", which is not actually due to the clumping of the milk powder itself but is actually due to incorrect preparation methods. The correct method is to first add lukewarm water at around 40 degrees Celsius to the milk bottle, then add the powdered milk according to the ratio, then shake the milk bottle, and this will generally solve the problem of insolubility.
To avoid clumping, there are three things to keep in mind
Firstly, before opening the powdered milk, carefully inspect the packaging for any damage, cracks, or dents that may result in air leakage. If such issues are found, promptly contact the seller or manufacturer.
Secondly, after the powdered milk has been opened, it should be stored in a cool, dry place as much as possible. Additionally, regardless of whether the package has been opened or not, the powdered milk should not be stored in the refrigerator as it may not "preserve freshness" but instead promote the "absorption of moisture".
Thirdly, it is recommended to seal the powdered milk as soon as possible after using it, and if the powdered milk spoon becomes wet, be sure to dry it before using it again. It is advisable not to leave the spoon in the powdered milk can, but instead find a clean and dry place to store it.
There has been a lot of concern over the safety of consuming clumped powdered milk. When milk powder is stored for a long period of time or exposed to moisture, it can form clumps, which can cause concern among consumers as to whether or not it is still safe to consume. The first thing to note is that clumping itself does not necessarily render powdered milk unsafe to consume.
As powdered milk is a dehydrated form of liquid milk, it can clump when it absorbs moisture, but this does not mean that it has gone bad. Powdered milk can still be used, even if it has formed clumps.
However, aside from being aesthetically unappealing, clumped powdered milk may have a grainy or lumpy texture when used in cooking or baking. In some instances, the clumps can be whisked or sifted out, but in other cases, the clumps may be too large or too widely distributed throughout the milk powder, making it difficult to remove them。
HSF Biotech Offers a Solution-Milk Clumps
Microencapsulation technology for powdered milk developed by HSF Biotech company has the advantage of preventing moisture damage and clumping, while preserving the active ingredients of the milk powder. With the microencapsulation process, active ingredients can be enclosed in tiny capsules, which act as a protective barrier against moisture and other contaminants. When added to milk powder, these capsules can shield the ingredients from air and humidity, preventing them from being affected by external factors.
As a result, the milk powder can maintain its freshness, taste, and nutritional value for a longer period, even in humid environments. Moreover, this technology has been designed to avoid clumping, which is a common issue for powdered milk. By controlling the release of the active ingredients, microencapsulation helps to prevent moisture absorption between powder particles and inhibit bacteria growth, resulting in better solubility and cleanliness. We are proud to offer this microencapsulation technology for powdered milk, providing our customers with high-quality products that meet the highest standards of taste and nutrition.
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