Method For Producing Fractions of a Milk Composition

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing fractions of a milk composition by treating a milk composition with a phospholipase and separating it into at least two fractions with different fat content. The fractions obtained have improved properties for producing food products. The invention further relates to a method for producing food products from one or more of the fractions obtained. In further aspects the invention relates to methods for producing condensed milk, milk powder, butter and dairy spread from a milk composition treated with a phospholipase.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A method for producing condensed milk or milk powder comprising treating a milk composition with a phospholipase and producing condensed milk or milk powder from the phospholipase treated milk composition. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the phospholipase is a phospholipase A and/or phospholipase B. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the phospholipase is a phospholipase A used in a concentration of 0.003-0.3 mg enzyme protein per g milk fat. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the phospholipase is a phospholipase B used in a concentration of 0.005-0.5 mg enzyme protein per g milk fat. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the phospholipase enzyme activity is provided by an enzyme having essentially only phospholipase activity and wherein the phospholipase enzyme activity is not a side activity. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the phospholipase activity is provided by an enzyme having another activity as well, e.g. a lipase with phospholipase side activity. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the phospholipase is purified. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the lecithin content of the milk composition is reduced by at least 5% as a result of the phospholipase treatment. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein condensed milk is produced from milk that is standardised to the desired fat content and subjected to heat treatment. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein condensed milk is produced from milk that is subjected to heat treatment at 100-120° C. for 1-3 minutes. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the phospholipase treated milk composition is subjected to evaporation to produce condensed milk. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the condensed milk is filled into cans or any other suitable containers and subjected to sterilisation 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the condensed milk is subjected to sterilization at 110-120° C. for 15-20 minutes. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the condensed milk is subjected to UHT treatment before filling onto containers. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the condensed milk is subjected to UHT treatment at 140° C. for 3 seconds. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein milk powder is produced from heat treated milk. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the phospholipase treatment reduces the degree of fouling. 
     
     
         40 . Condensed milk or milk powder obtainable by the method of  claim 23 .