Abstract
Tea is an instant energy providing national drink of Pakistan and consumed by the people of all social classes. In our culture dairy milk or milk analogue (tea whitener) is added in black tea to enhance its taste, color and aroma. The present study is designed to investigate the physical characteristics and hygienic level of the different brands of tea whitener either in liquid (TWL) or powder (TWP) form that are commonly available in Karachi city. Six species (Aspergillus candidus, A. flavus, A. niger, A. nidulans, Neurospora cressa and Penicillium notatum) were recovered in summer season, while a total four species (Aspergillus niger, Mucor mucedo, Neurospora cressa and Penicillium notatum) were isolated in winter season. In this regard hygiene of samples was checked by applying culture plate technique for fungal growth and isolation.
