Chr. Hansen's FreshQ: Bioprotective Cultures for Fresh Dairy Products

11 Nov 2013 --- The main challenge in fresh dairy products is contamination by yeast and mold, which are naturally present everywhere and could lead to spoilage - especially if the products are exposed to heat during the value chain from production to the consumer’s table.

Moreover loss and waste of food is a global concern with significant impact on economics and social welfare.

To address this leading bioscience company Chr. Hansen set out to find the best natural solution and after years of research a number of cultures have been developed that make dairy products stay fresh longer. The culture concept is called FreshQ and it provides effective protection of fermented dairy products like yogurt, sour cream, quark, tvarog and white brined cheese (Feta).

Clean label
“The FreshQ cultures (Dairy Innovation Award finalist at this year’s Food Ingredients Europe) have been developed as a natural ‘clean label’ alternative to chemical preservatives. They are based on unique strains of lactic acid bacteria working very efficiently together in synergy with the starter culture,” explains Morten Boesen, Global Marketing Manager.

“Consumers want natural products, but it’s a big a challenge to make natural yogurt, sour cream etc. and at the same time assure that they are fresh and unspoiled until the end of shelf life. Our studies have shown significant antifungal effect of FreshQ - an effect which is seen both against yeasts and molds and at different storage temperatures. Besides the antifungal effect FreshQ cultures have been reported to increase the perceived freshness of several dairy products in customer applications, especially towards the end of shelf life,” he elaborates.

A global hit
In a number of countries FreshQ is already a big hit and it is a rising star on the global dairy market.
“Understanding the value chain is key to understanding the benefits and success of FreshQ. Dairies and retailers want to meet consumer needs and minimize total product cost, reduce value drains in their supply chain and protect their brands. Consumers want natural products that are healthy, tasty and SAFE. FreshQ addresses all these aspects,”  concludes Boesen.