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The purpose of present study was to evaluate the quality characteristics of cow?s milk in the holy city Mathura, which is famous for it?s gau dhan and Lord Krishna.

The milk samples were collected from dairy shops, vendors and milk producers and evaluated on the basis of various organoleptic tests, physico-chemical properties, proximate estimation and microbiological studies following the standard procedures.

The milk samples of Township and Chungi areas had more clear appearance and normal texture/consistency than other three areas. No cow milk sample was observed with pure white colour; however, 74 per cent of the samples had normal light yellow colour. No milk sample had rancid/oxidized odour; however, few milk samples contained weedy or absorbed odour. Watery consistency was observed in 50 per cent of the samples, whereas thick, ropy or slimy consistency was observed in 4, 4 and 20 per cent of the samples, respectively. The temperature, pH and specific gravity of milk collected from different regions were lower, but titratable acidity was higher than normal prescribed range (<0.14 per cent). The moisture content of all the samples was higher; however, other proximate parameters showed quite variable values than normal values of cow milk. Out of the total, 28 per cent of the samples of cow milk were positive for formalin. The microbial load was higher than normal prescribed limit.

Food safety and food security are very much at the top of the agenda in India, so it is of utmost importance to screen the quality of milk and milk products in the market for avoidance of skimming practices and/or adulteration of milk with water and human health problems.