Chemical Changes in Milk During Exposure to Fluorescent Light

Abstract

Milk was processed in two commercial plants and packaged in regular paperboard and plastic containers. Gallon containers were held at 40 to 45 F and exposed to 150 foot candles of fluorescent light for (a) 5 h, (b) 10 h plus 14 h in the dark, (c) 24 h plus 9 days in the dark, and (d) 10 days in the dark only. Vitamins A, thiamin, and niacin did not change significantly in milk in paperboard or plastic during storage under the different test conditions. The same was true of 17 amino acids and seven minerals (Fe, Ca Zn, Mg, Mn, Na, and P). A significant decrease in vitamin C occurred when milk in plastic or paperboard was exposed to fluorescent light for 5, 10, and 24 h. Riboflavin declined in milk in both types of containers when exposed for 10 and 24 h. Vitamin B6 was significantly less after milk was subjected 24 h to fluorescent light. These decreases were substantially less in milk in paperboard packages than in plastic containers.