Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: thedoc on 08/04/2013 20:30:01

Title: Can new colour sensors help us detect off-milk?
Post by: thedoc on 08/04/2013 20:30:01

Chris Harries  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
In the episode "Naked Scientists 13.01.24 - We're Back! Transparent Electronics" you talk about could we possibly have a device that could tell you when your milk is off well I thought i'd let you know that a product that does that actually exists

http://www.quirky.com/products/327-The-Milkmaid-smart-milk-jug

although I know you were getting across the point of smart technology I have to wander what the point of a device which tells you when your milk is off would be useful as we have noses for that

what do you think of the Milkmaid?

--
Christian Harries

Ravensbourne

What do you think?

Title: Re: Is there a device to tell you when milk is off?
Post by: CliffordK on 23/04/2013 08:24:41

Interesting.
So sour milk is acidic (I would think), which could be detected relatively easily.

Time to make some sour milk pancakes  [;)]

Title: Re: Is there a device to tell you when milk is off?
Post by: Don_1 on 23/04/2013 09:48:46

Well Christian, I think this not so much a gadget as just another gimmick. As you rightly say, we do have a nose on our face, which should be perfectly able to do the job.

These days, with healthy eating being bombarded at us from every angle, most of us are now consuming half fat milk (63% of the population in the UK), where in the past whole milk or 'gold top' milk was the norm. Skimmed and semi-skimmed milk has a longer shelf life than full cream milk and with better refridgeration and faster distribution, the milk we buy will usually last (when kept refridgerated and in its original capped bottle) for up to 6 days (1% fat milk). UHT milk will last even longer than that.

I think the dairy industry and our taste made this gimmick obsolete about 20 yrs before it was invented.

Not just a case of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted, this horse bolted long ago and was even sent to the knackers yard before this product came on the market.

Thinking about it, I really cannot remember the last time I took a bottle of milk from the fridge to find it had gone off.

Title: Re: Is there a device to tell you when milk is off?
Post by: CliffordK on 23/04/2013 17:46:53

Good Point.
Badly Sour Milk will both have a distinct odor, as well as being visually distinct.

In Italy, one can buy sterilized milk in funky rectangular cartons. 
One can just toss a case of it in the pantry, unrefrigerated, then grab a liter out whenever one needs it.

I tend to prefer powdered milk that is also easy to store.

Title: Re: Is there a device to tell you when milk is off?
Post by: Mazurka on 24/04/2013 10:56:17

It is still possible (in England) to get raw untreated milk (green top) directly from farms or from the milkman.  It is unlawful for the farm/ milkman to promote its sale, however, if you can find someone selling it - try it is is delicious.

It comes with a  blob of cream on the top - the consistency and taste varies through the year reflecting the cows diet.

There is of course a health risk associated with raw milk, but due to the hygiene standards (low bacterial counts) that the big diary companies (Arla, Dairy Crest etc.) insist on farmers acheiving this risk is minimal.

The sole downside (as far as I am concerned) is that the milk goes off far more quickly than the (pale imitation) pasturised & homogonised milk more comonly sold...  My nose tells me when this has happened!   
 

Title: Can new colour sensors help us detect off-milk?
Post by: thedoc on 09/05/2013 22:41:20

Scientists in China have developed a sensor that can reveal when food might be bad to eat because it’s been poorly stored.

Read the whole story on our  website by clicking here (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/news/news/1000169/)