Milk in a cool, transparent glass bottle, is an attractive, aesthetic  presentation, that easily lures a consumer. The exposure of milk to light however, is the very source of its damage: in terms of a decline in integrity in healthy microbial content, as well as a loss of nutritional value.

Research studies have revealed, that light exposure degrades milk faster than ageing on the shelf. Exposure of milk to light of a particular wavelength for just a few hours, degrades it faster than damage caused by microbial accumulation, over time.

 It was found, that in the absence of light exposure, particularly high energy wavelengths that correspond to blue and UV light (< 460 nm), pasteurized milk can remain at high quality for 14 days. 

It’s well documented, that riboflavin and other photosensitive milk components are activated when exposed to light energy. this activation triggers a cascade of electrons that degrade proteins and oxidize fats in milk. 

In a similar manner, light degrades the lipids/fats in cheese, and in a matter of just a few days, it will significantly alter the taste and quality of the cheese.

It is hence important, to develop non-toxic transparent packaging and coating solutions, to enable both the shielding of high energy wavelengths, while preserving the option to aesthetically present dairy products in transparent packaging, glass bottles or jars.

Dairy cattle treated with antibiotics produce milk contaminated with antibiotic residue, for a period of time, after the therapy.

Majority of the drug residue found in our waterways (e.g. rivers, streams, etc) have been excreted by animals (e.g. dairy cattle) and human consumers of pharmaceuticals. Some of the residue, is discharged from manufacturing sites. Conventional sewage treatment does not fully remove pharmaceuticals, with efficiencies ranging from 20% to more than 80% for some pharmaceuticals.

With increasing concerns pertaining to drug-resistant bacteria, it is essential to minimise unwarranted human and animal exposure to pharmaceutical residue in both waterways and dairy products.

For this, solutions providing alternate antimicrobial approaches as well as efficient removal of drug residue by use of naturally occurring materials, will help to curb the risk of antimicrobial resistance, while ensuring food safety/integrity, and extend shelf life.