In this paper, we evaluated some varieties of local white cheeses (Baladi and
Akkawi). 100 samples were collected randomly from various production sites in
Syria between 2003 and 2004. Chemical and microbiological analyses were
applied to determin
e their suitability to the Syrian standards. This study shows
that their quality do not fulfill the set minimum Syrian quality standards. The
microbiological analyses (Coliform, Escherichia, Staphylococcus aureus, and
Salmonella), rate was 75% for Coliform organisms and 66% for Escherichia in
Baladi, while it decreased to 43% for Coliform and 25% for Escherichia in
Akkawi. As concerns the positive coagulation bacteria (S. aureus), the rate
exceeded 15% for both types of cheeses. 18% and 12% of Salmonella were
found in Baladi and Akkawi also respectively. Various types of Coliform and
Salmonella were identified. This study indicated that local cheeses have no
uniform or standardized chemical characteristics. The averages of acidity,
moisture content and salt percentage were 0.24%, 60%, and 2.6%, for Baladi
and 0.28%, 53.53%, and 9.96% for Akkawi, respectively. The fat content had a
wide range for all cheese samples. This study classified these fresh cheeses as
raw cheeses that have vast flora and no uniform chemical and quality
characteristics. The above findings, lead to different defects and properties
which do not fulfill the Syrian quality standards. Thus, the quality of Syrian
cheeses varieties is still questionable.
