Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
ATCP 55-89 - Food, Lodging, and Recreation Safety
Chapter ATCP 81 - Cheese Grading, Packaging And Labeling
Subchapter VI - Brick and Muenster Cheese; Grade Standards
Section ATCP 81.62 - Wisconsin grade B standards
Current through August 26, 2024
Brick or muenster cheese labeled or sold as Wisconsin grade B cheese shall conform to the following standards:
(1) FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS. Wisconsin grade B brick and muenster cheese shall possess a fairly pleasing characteristic cheese flavor. The cheese may also possess various undesirable flavors to a slight or very slight degree. Cured brick cheese may develop a surface microorganism that contributes to flavor development as the cheese ages. Flavor standards are shown in the grade B column of Table 9 under s. ATCP 81.60(1). The presence or absence of flavor characteristics shall be determined organoleptically by taste and smell.
(2) BODY AND TEXTURE CHARACTERISTICS. Wisconsin grade B brick and muenster cheese may be curdy to a definite degree. The graded cheese shall have a fairly uniform distribution of salt. Body and texture standards are shown in the grade B column of Table 10 under s. ATCP 81.60(2).
(3) COLOR CHARACTERISTICS. Wisconsin grade B brick and muenster cheese may have a slight degree of uneven coloration. Muenster cheese may have orange artificially colored surfaces that enhance the traditional appearance of the cheese. Color standards are shown in the grade B column of Table 11 under s. ATCP 81.60(3).
(4) FINISH AND APPEARANCE CHARACTERISTICS. Wisconsin grade B brick and muenster cheese may be slightly less uniform in size and shape and possess slight surface defects, but shall be clean and free from checks or mold. The wrapper or covering may be slightly uneven, but shall adequately and securely envelop the cheese. Allowance shall be made for wrinkles caused by crimping or sealing when vacuum packaging is used. Cured brick cheese may have an overlap of parchment, foil, or other satisfactory packaging material that securely envelops and protects the cheese. Uncured brick cheese and colored or uncolored brick or muenster cheese may be packaged in a vacuum type package or other satisfactory packaging material that securely envelops and protects the cheese. Finish and appearance standards are shown in the grade B column of Table 12 under s. ATCP 81.60(4).
