During manufacturing, lactic acid is produced first by starter lactic acid bacteria,
and most of the lactose in 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 lactose is removed in
the whey during draining. The salt and moisture content of the curd determines the
products of postmanufacture residual lactose fermentation. The complete and rapid
metabolism of residual lactose by lactic acid bacteria is essential for the production
of a good quality cheese.5,13