Steady state flow behaviours of extruded blend of rice flour and soy protein concentrate

Rheological properties in terms of steady state flow behaviours of extruded dispersions (rice flour/soy protein concentrate blend), were investigated using dynamic rheometry. The effects of concentration (2%, 5%, 7%, 9% and 11%) and temperature (25–70 °C) on the rheological parameters (yield stress, flow behaviour index) of the non-expanded pellet blend (12.5% protein) were determined using common rheological models. Steady-shear viscosities in a range of shear rate from 0 to 500 s⁻¹ were observed as a function of concentration and temperature. From typical curves showing the dependence of shear stress on shear rate, it could be observed that all suspensions exhibited a non-Newtonian and pseudoplastic behaviour. The model that best fitted the experimental data at all temperatures and concentrations was the Herschel–Bulkley model.     

A survey on hygienic practices and their impact on the microbiological quality and safety in the Rwandan milk and dairy chain

This study assessed the status of hygienic practices in the Rwandan milk and dairy chain. Data collection was based on interviews with the help of a survey and site visits to farms, collection centres, milk processing companies, small‐scale cheese plants, wholesale points, supermarkets and milk shops. The observed status of good practices was further linked to actual microbiological data. It was concluded that there is a major gap in compliance with hygienic practices leading to higher levels of contaminated dairy products.