5. Main defects encountered

The quality of processed cheese is influenced by many factors linked to the formulation and manufacturing process. Slight deviations in processing can have significant consequences. These can result in defects as early as the melting stage, or after a certain storage time. While the most frequent cause of these defects lies in the nature of the raw materials and ingredients, we must not forget the parameters linked to the process, notably the mechanical, chemical and thermal elements.