during manufacturing, lactic acid is produced first by starter lactic acid bacteria, and most of the cheese is fermented to lactate in the first 24 h of pressing. for dutch-type cheeses, lactose levels are already undetectable after brining. the rate and extent of acidification have a major impact on cheese texture via demineralization of the casein micelles about 98% of the lactose is removed in the whey during draining. the salt and moisture content of the curd determine the products of postmanufacture rasidual lactose fermentation. the complete and rapid metabolism of residual lactose by lactic acid bacterria is essential for the production of a good quality cheese