The impact of processing methods on the quality of Sudanese white cheese produced by small scale in New Halfa area

This study was carried out to compare the effects of production and processing methods of Sudanese white cheese produced in small production units on cheese quality. The study was based on surveying 10 small scale producers in New Halfa area (eastern Sudan) during the period of February to July, 2008. The production was carried out mainly by private sector (70%), while 30% were owned by governmental institutes. Milk used in the cheese making was fresh cow milk purchased from nomads (90%) compared to only 10% from dairy farms. Regarding the level of education, 60% of cheese producers finished secondary school and 40% were university graduates. The average age of cheese producers ranged between 35–50 years. The results showed no variation between cheese manufacturing methods in the majority of production units in New Halfa. The supervision by the health authority comprised about 80% of production units. Significant (P