A consumer found an off-flavor in milk exposed to high intensity fluorescent light. What was this off-flavor probably due to?

The presence of an off-flavor in milk that has been exposed to high-intensity fluorescent light is likely due to an oxidized flavor. When milk is exposed to light, particularly ultraviolet light, certain components within the milk, such as riboflavin (vitamin B2), can undergo a photochemical reaction. This process leads to the formation of off-flavors, primarily related to oxidation, which alters the taste and aroma of the milk. Oxidized flavor can be described as cardboard-like or metallic and is often more pronounced in milk products that have been improperly stored or that contain higher fat content.

Rancid flavor typically arises from the breakdown of fats and is usually associated with storage conditions, rather than exposure to light. Soured taste is generally a result of acidity, indicating microbial activity or spoilage, while burnt taste is associated with thermal processing or overheating rather than light exposure. Therefore, oxidized flavor is the most accurate description of the off-flavor experienced by the consumer in this scenario.