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What is pasteurization?
Pasteurization is a process whereby a product is heated for a short period of time at a temperature that will kill all the pathogenic microorganisms without significantly altering its taste or nutritional value. Though specific products are pasteurized at different times, pasteurization is mandatory for all Yoplait products. |
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What is homogenization?
Homogenization is a mechanical treatment where milk fat particles are fragmented under high pressure. This process prevents milk fat from separating and rising to the surface, assuring an even distribution. |
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How should the expiry code on Yoplait products be read?
The most common product code we use is MM DD (e.g.: AL 29). We also add the year or a letter to a code to identify products manufactured on different production lines. So for example, such a code might read 04 AL 29, 04 AL 29 G, or perhaps AL 29 G. According to guidelines established by the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency), if the year is included, it must always appear at the beginning of the code. For all products with a shelf life of less than 90 days, the month and day are sufficient. |
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How is yogourt made?
Yogourt can either be made from cow's milk or goat's milk. Ultima Foods only uses cow's milk to make Yoplait products.
Whether plain, stirred or firm, the basic recipe for yogourt is essentially the same:
- A specific amount of skimmed or partially skimmed milk, slightly enriched with a dry extract (milk concentrate ingredients)
- Stabilizers (gelatine, pectin or modified starch).
- Homogenization, followed by hyper-pasteurization for a thicker and creamier texture.
- The mixture is then cooled to 43°C, whereupon Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus bacteria are introduced.
- The incubation period lasts 3 to 6 hours, depending on the degree of acidity desired.
- The yogourts are then chilled and distributed to retailers.
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Where are Yoplait yogourts and fresh cheeses made?
Our yogourt products, destined for the Canadian market, are produced in a factory located in Granby, Quebec. |
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What does the number "2413" printed in a hexagonal box of your packaging mean?
Issued by Agriculture Canada, this number refers to the registration number of the plant where the product was made. |
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What does "ISO" mean?
"ISO" is an internationally recognized standard that ensures uniformity in the manufacturing process. This comprehensive quality-control system is certified by an independent monitoring organization as part of a company's overall corporate strategy. It's based on three principles: the commitment of a company's officers, the implementation of a rigorous quality control process, and the daily supervision of that process by quality-control personnel.
The ISO standard ensures strict product compliance through quantifiable specifications. |
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What does HACCP refer to?
The acronym "HACCP" means "Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points".
HACCP is a program that monitors food safety, protecting consumers by carefully controlling consumption-related risks. |
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What does "traceability" mean?
Traceability refers to the tracking of products throughout their production process, from processing to retail marketing.
Both the ISO and HACCP seals attest to the traceability of a product. |
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