GB2521213A

GB2521213A - Device for filtering milk

Info

Publication number: GB2521213A
Application number: GB1322115.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Francesca Louise Boughey; Thomas Frederick Charles Bullen; James Thomas Dean Gollings; Christine Nicole Simpson; Cemlyn Benjamin Severin Coirier-Roberts
Original assignee: MU INNOVATIONS Ltd
Current assignee: MU INNOVATIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2013-12-13
Filing date: 2013-12-13
Publication date: 2015-06-17
Also published as: GB201322115D0; WO2015087085A1

Abstract

A jug 1 comprises a filter 2 for filtering milk, wherein the filter comprises one or more enzymes. Also disclosed is a jug comprising a filter for reducing the level of lactose in milk; a jug comprising a filter for reducing the level of hormones in milk; a jug comprising a filter for reducing the level of antibiotics in milk; and a filter for use in such a jug. In particular examples, the filter comprises lactase, the jug is for removing lactose from milk, and the jug includes an indicator for indicating to a user when the filter has reduced filtering ability. The jug may have a receiving reservoir 3 for receiving milk and a storage reservoir 4 for storing milk which has passed from the receiving reservoir through the filter to the storage reservoir. The enzymes are preferably immobilised on calcium alginate beads.

Description

DEVICE FOR FILTERING MILK

The present invention relates to a device for filtering milk, in particular to a device for digesting lactose in milk.

Lactose intolerance, also called lactase deficiency and hypolactasia, is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and to a lesser extent milk-derived dairy products.

Lactose intolerant people do not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to comfortably digest the sugar lactose found in milk. Lactase catalyses the hydrolysis of lactose into glucose and galactose in a person's digestive system. It is estimated that 75% of adults worldwide show some decrease in lactase activity during adulthood. The frequency of decreased lactase activity ranges from 5% in northern Europe through 71 °/o for Sicily to more than 90% in some African and Asian countries. In the UK up to 15% of the population are thought to he lactose intolerant, with a higher prevalence among non-Caucasian cthnieitics. Lactose intolerant sufferers have adverse reaction to products containing lactose (primarily milk), including abdominal bloating and cramps, flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. It has also been linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Lactose intolerance is not an allergy because it is not an immune response, but rather a problem with digestion caused by lactase deficiency.

Milk allergy is a separate condition, with distinct symptoms that occur when the presence of milk proteins trigger an immune reaction.

Lactose-free milks are available in cartons in some larger supermarket chains. however, these typically cost more than 1.5x their ordinary counterparts. are not easily available and offer less flavour ranges than ordinary milk. Many lactose intolerant sufferers must then avoid milk, neglecting a convenient source of calcium and other nutrients. Similarly, for type 2 diabetics lactose is rapidly absorbed, making lactose almost as harmful as sucrose to them.

In fact, the ethnic groups who are particularly affected by lactose intolerance also have the greatest propensity to develop diabetes, doubly affecting their dairy consumption.

In households where lactose intolerant and non-lactose intolerant people cohabit, buying two kinds of milk is inconvenient and can lead to higher levels of spoilage and waste. Lactose-free milk is also often said to taste too sweet which limits its market. In Asian countries such as China, where the majority of consumers are lactose intolerant, the dairy market is undergoing a rapid growth as people seek to introduce dairy into their diet. Lactose-free milk is either difficult to come by or is expensive. Despite over 80% of lactose intolerant people being open to including more dairy in their diet, there is no easy soluUon for lactose intolerant sufferers to drink milk products they want when they want them. Whilst one option is to take enzyme pills to supplement their lack of enzymes, lactose intolerant consumers are yet to be offered a product that brings their use of dairy in terms of taste and availability compared to thc gcneral population.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above identified problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a jug comprising a filter for filtering milk, wherein the filter comprises one or more enzymes.

Preferably, the one or more enzymes comprise lactase.

In anothcr aspect of the present invention, there is provided a jug comprising a filter for removing lactose from milk or for reducing the level of lactose in milk.

Preferably, the filter comprises one or more enzymes.

Preferably, the one or more enzymes comprise lactase.

Preferably, the jug comprises a receiving reservoir for receiving milk and a storage reservoir for storing milk which has passed from the receiving reservoir through the filter to the storage reservoir, the jug being configured for pouring milk out of the jug from the storage reservoir.

Preferably, the one or more enzymes are immobilised on and/or within a solid support.

Preferably, the solid support comprises a plurality of heads.

Preferably, the filter comprises at least about 500 beads.

Preferably, the heads comprise alginate heads, preferahly calcium alginate heads.

Preferably, the heads are between about 1mm and about 5mm in diameter, preferably between about 1mm and about 3mm, prcfcrahly about 2mm in diameter.

Preferably, a thickness of between about 1cm and about 3cm of solid support, e.g. beads is provided within the filter, preferably between about 1.5cm and about 2.5cm, preferably about 2cm.

With reference to the term "thickness' it will be appreciated that this corresponds to the "thickness" of beads that milk will pass through. Reference is also made to Figure 4B.

Preferably, the beads comprise between about 0.4mol/dm3 and about 1.Smol/dm3 lactase.

preferably between about O.4mol/dm3 and about 1.25mol/dm3. preferably between about 0.4mol/dm3 and about 1.Omol/dm3, preferably about 0.Smol/dm3 lactase.

Preferably, the beads comprise at least about O.4mol/dm3 lactase, preferably at least about 0.Smol/dm3 lactase.

Preferably, the solid support is distributed evenly throughout the filter.

Preferably, the filter is configured for even passage of milk therethrough. In this respect. it will he appreciated that as milk passes through the filter it is not funnelled to a single exit point; rather, the filter is configured so that milk exits the filter evenly across the surface area of its base.

Preferably, the filter is for digesting lactose and removing or reducing the level of one or more additional components of milk.

Preferably, the one or more additional components of milk comprise one or more hormones, contaminants and/or antibiotics.

Preferably, the filter is in the form of a cartridge.

Preferably, the filter comprises a milk receiving surfacc comprising one or more apertures and a milk releasing surface comprising one or more apertures. wherein the onc or more apertures in the milk receiving surface and the one or more apertures in the milk releasing surface are configured for allowing milk to pass through the milk receiving surface at a faster rate than milk is allowed to exit the milk releasing surface.

Prcfcrably, the apertures in the milk receiving surface cover a greater surface area than the apertures in the milk releasing surface.

Preferably the apertures in the milk receiving surface are larger than the apertures in the milk releasing surface.

Preferably, the milk receiving surface comprises more apertures than the milk releasing surface.

Preferably, the jug comprises an indicator for indicating to a user when the filter has reduced filtering ability.

Preferably, the indicator is for indicating to a user when the ability of the filter to digest lactose in milk and/or remove or reduce the level of one or more additional components of milk has decreased.

Preferably, the indicator is for indicating to a user when the filter is no longer able to digest lactose in milk and/or remove or reduce the level of one or more additional components of milk.

Preferably, the indicator comprises a lactose sensor and/or one or more sensors of one or more additional components of milk.

Preferably, the indicator is located in the storage reservoir.

Prcferahly, the indicator is located in the filter.

Preferably, the indicator is a digital monitor, for example a digital sensor, of milk content.

Preferably, the indicator comprises a lactose sensor.

Preferably, the indicator comprises a display.

Preferably, the display provides information regarding the level of lactose in the milk.

Preferably, the display provides information regarding the level of one or more components in milk, preferably selected from sugars, hormones and/or antibiotics.

Preferably, the display provides information regarding the expiry date of milk.

Preferably, the display is provided on a lid of the jug.

Preferably, the filter comprises an indicator molecule. Preferably, the indicator molecule causes the filter to change colour when the activity of the one or more enzymes falls below a minimum rate of reaction.

Preferably, the solid support (e.g. one or more types of beads) comprises an indicator molecule. Preferably, the indicator molecule causes the solid support (e.g. one or more types of heads) to change colour when the activity of the solid support (e.g. one or more types of beads) falls below a minimum rate of reaction.

Preferably, the jug comprises means for removing sugars from milk or reducing the level of sugars in milk, preferably fbr removing or reducing the level of galactose and/or glucose.

Preferably, the filter is for removing sugars from milk or reducing the level of sugars in milk, preferably for removing or reducing the level of galactose and/or glucose.

Prcfcrahly, the filter and/or jug comprises capture means capable of binding to sugars, preferably capable of binding to galactose and/or glucose.

Preferably, the filter and/orjug comprises capture means containing lectin molecules.

Prcfcrably, thc capturc mcans arc provided for making contact with milk which has passed through the filter.

Preferably, the capture means are provided in a layer in the base of the jug.

Preferably, the filter is for removing hormones from milk or reducing the level of hormones in milk, prefcrahly for removing or reducing thc lcvcl of onc or more of bovine somatotropin, estradiol and/or progesterone.

Preferably, the filter comprises capture means capable of binding to hormones, preferably capable of binding to bovine growth hormone (bovine somatotropin), estradiol and/or progesterone.

Preferably, the filter is for removing antibiotics from milk or reducing the level of antibiotics in milk.

Preferably, the filter comprises capture means capable of binding to an antibiotic.

Preferably, the capture means comprises a solid support. preferably one or more types of beads.

Preferably, the filter is replaceable.

Preferably, the jug and filter are substantially oval in shape.

Preferably, the jug and/or filter are transparent.

Preferably, the filter extends across substantially the entire width of the jug.

Preferably, the filter sits on a ledge provided around the inside surface ofthejug.

Preferably, the filter forms a water-tight seal with the ledge.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a jug comprising a filter for removing hormones from milk or reducing the level of hormones in milk.

Preferably, the filter is for removing or reducing the level of one or more of bovine somatotropin. estradiol and/or progesterone.

Preferably, the filter comprises capture means capable of binding to hormones, preferably capable of binding to bovine growth hormone (bovine somatotropin), est'adiol and/or progesterone.

Preferably, the capture means comprises a solid support, preferably one or more types of beads.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a jug comprising a filter for removing antibiotics from milk or reducing the level of antibiotics in milk.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a Iilter for use in a jug as descrihed herein.

Preferably, the filter comprises one or more enzymes.

Preferably, the one or more enzymes comprise lactase.

Preferably, the solid support comprises a plurality of heads.

Preferably, the filter comprises at least about 500 beads.

Preferably, the beads comprise alginate beads, preferably calcium alginate beads.

Preferably, the heads are between about 1mm and about 5mm in diameter, preferably between about I mm and about 3mm, preferably about 2mm in diameter.

Preferably, a thickness of between about 1cm and about 3cm of solid support, e.g. beads, is provided within the filter, preferably between about 1.5cm and about 2.5cm, preferably about 2cm.

Preferably, the beads comprise between about 0.4mol/dm3 and about 1.Smol/dm3 lactase, preferably between about O.4mol/dm3 and about I.2Smol/dm3, preferably between about 0.4mol/dm3 and about 1.Omol/dm3. preferably about 0.Smol/dm3 lactasc.

Preferably, the beads comprise at least about 0.4mol/dm3 lactase, preferably at least about 0.Smol/dm3 laciase.

Preferably, the solid support is distributed evenly throughout the filter.

Preferably, the filter is configured For even passage of milk therethrough. In this respect, it will he appreciated that as milk passes through the filter it is not Funnelled to a single exit point; rather, the filter is configured so that milk exits the filter evenly across the surface area of its base.

Preferably, the filter is for removing one or more hormones, contaminants and/or antibiotics from milk or reducing the level of one or more hormones, contaminants and/or antibiotics in milk.

Preferably, the filter is in the form of a cartridge for insertion into a jug as described herein.

Preferably, the filter comprises a milk receiving surface comprising one or more apertures and a milk releasing surface comprising one or more apertures, wherein the one or more apertures in the milk receiving surface and the one or more apertures in the milk releasing surface are configured for allowing milk to pass through the milk receiving surface at a faster rate than milk is allowed to exit the milk releasing surface.

Preferably, the apertures in the milk receiving surface cover a greater surface area than the apertures in the milk releasing surface.

Preferably, the filter comprises an indicator for indicating to a user when the filter has reduced filtering ahility.

Preferably, the indicator is for indicating to a user when the ability of the filter to digest lactosc in milk and/or remove or rcducc thc level of onc or morc additional components of milk has decreased.

Preferably, the indicator comprises a lactose sensor.

Preferably, the indicator comprises a display.

Preferably, the display provides information regarding the expiry date of milk.

Preferably, the solid support (e.g. one or more types of beads) comprises an indicator molecule. Preferably, the indicator molecule causes the solid support (e.g. one or more types of beads) to change colour when the activity of the solid support (e.g. one or more types of beads) falls below a minimum rate of reaction.

Prcfcrably, the filter is for removing sugars from milk or rcducing the level of sugars in milk, preferably for removing or reducing the level of galactose and/or glucose.

Preferably, the filter comprises capture means capable of binding to sugars, preferably capable of binding to galactose and/or glucose.

Preferably, the filter comprises capture means containing lectin molecules.

Preferably, the capture means are provided for making contact with milk which has passed through the filter.

Prcfcrahly, the capture mcans arc provided in a layer in the base of the filter.

Preferably, the filter is for removing hormones from milk or reducing the level of hormones in milk, preferably for removing or reducing the level of one or more of bovine somatotropin, estradiol and/or progesterone.

Preferably, the lilter comprises capture means capable of binding to hormones, preferably capable of binding to bovine growth hormone (bovine somatotropin), estradiol and/or progesterone.

Preferably, the filter is replaceable.

Prcferahly, the filter is substantially oval in shapc.

Preferably, the filter is transparent.

Preferably, when inserted into ajug as described herein, the filter extends across substantially the entire width of the jug.

Preferably, when inserted into a jug as described herein, the filter sits on a ledge provided around the inside surface of thc jug.

Preferably, when inserted into a jug as described herein, the filter forms a water-tight seal with the ledge.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for filtering milk, the device comprising a filter as described herein.

Preferably, the device comprises a receptacle for holding milk, the receptacle comprising a rccciving reservoir for rccciving milk and a storage reservoir for storing milk which has passed from the receiving reservoir through the filter to the storage reservoir, said device being conligured for pouring milk out of the device from the storage reservoir.

Preferably, the device comprises a spout for pouring milk therefrom.

Preferably, the device comprises a handle.

Preferably, the device is a container for holding milk.

Preferably, the device is a jug.

Preferably, the device is ajug as described herein.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising (i) a jug or dcvicc as described herein and (ii) one or more filtcrs as described hercin.

Preferably, the kit comprises a testing means for measuring contaminants in milk, for example contaminants such as melamine. heavy metals and/or bacteria in milk.

Preferably, the testing means comprises a test strip, for example a colour changing test strip.

Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be writtcn. but it is intended and will be apprcciatcd that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention.

For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features of the filter as described herein are equally applicable to thejugs and devices as described herein, and vice versa.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which Figure 1 shows a cross-section ofa jug as described herein as viewed from the side; Figure 2 shows a cross section of a filter as described herein as viewed from the side; Figures 3A and 3B show bottom (3A) and top (3B) views of a filter as described herein; Figures 4A and 4B show spout end (4A) and handle end (4B) views of a filter as described herein; Figure 5 shows a cross section through ajug as described herein as viewed from above; and Figure 6 shows a flow diagram illustrating how ajug as described herein could he used.

The prcscnt invention relates to a device for filtering milk, in particular to a jug comprising a lactose filter.

Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may he variously combined or separated without parting from the invention.

Within this specification, the term about means plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

Within this specification, the term "lactase" means any enzyme that can digest lactose. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the lactase is beta galactosidase.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a transparent jug with a changeable filter cartridge. It can sit in a fridgc door and digest lactose in any type of milk. Fresh milk is poured into the upper reservoir of the jug. The lid is closed and the jug is returned to the fridge door. The milk gradually flows through the filter cartridge, into the bottom reservoir.

The safe milk can then be poured out of the jug's spout. The jug is completely transparent, so that the user can see the entire filtration process. The filter is a thin, oval cylinder that fits exactly against the inside curves of the jug, forming a water tight seal when in place. It has many small holes on its upper surface and only a few small holes on the bottom to control the flow of liquid. It is filled with immobilised enzyme beads to process the milk.

The reaction taking place in the bead is the hydrolysis of lactose to glucose and galactose sugars using the lactase enzyme.

OHOH

OH CHOH GHOH

CHQH P gaiactosklase HO OH OH hnkage OH OH

OH

Iadose galactose glucose The lactase enzyme is immohilised in a calcium alginate bead and the filter is filled with beads of a uniform diameter (approximately 2mm). The lactase is held inside the bead and along the surface. [he head diameter is chosen such that the diffusion time of lactose is always thc limiting factor in how quickly thc milk is allowcd to flow through thc filtcr, not the enzyme aclivity. The lactase concentration is excessively high so that even as the enzymes become denatured over time, there will always be enough free active sites to process the lactose molecules diffusing through the head. Calcium alginate and lactase are both routinely found in food and therefore legally safe for use in food processing. They will not enter the milk product and will not affect the taste or appearance.

l'he concentration of lactase in the enzyme heads is approximately ft5mol/dm3 hut can he varied based on the optimum flow rate of milk through the filter, the diameter of the beads, the enzyme activity at fridge temperatures and the effect of age on the enzymes.

An indicator molecule can he added to the heads, causing them to he coloured and to change colour whcn the activity of thc bcads falls bclow thc minimum safc ratc of rcaction. A digital monitor of the milk contents in the bottom reservoir can also be used to help monitor the enzyme activity.

Non enzyme beads may be added, which contain lectin molecules capable of binding to the sugars produced by the digestion of lactose. l'his removes the sugars completely from the milk in the bottom reservoir or reduces the levd of sugars in the bottom reservoir. This mopping could reduce the calorie content of milk by up to 40 percent.

the jug can he provided in cornbinaion with a simple chemical test kit for harmful milk contaminants such as melamine, heavy metals and haceria. I'his is especially relevant in the product marketed to Asian families because milk contamination is an issue in the Far East.

A paper strip type test with indicators for the most common milk contaminants can be included, For example with each filter sold. It can include basic colour change reactions along the test strip to tell the user if their milk is contaminated. Metal tests are already available as simple coloured indicator tests with diphenyithiocarbazone, which changes from green to purpic to yellow hascd on heavy metal conccntration. Also. cyanuric acid can hc uscd to tcst for low concentrations of Melarninc causing a colour changc from red to bluc.

Dairy cows are routinely injected with a broad range of antibiotics and they can get into the milk. The growing problem of bacterial immunity to antibiotics is a huge problem for the future of fighting bacterial infections. Removing or reducing the level of antibiotics from milk could, therefore, play a part in reducing this problent The jug can, thcreforc. bc provided with a means for removing antibiotics from milk or for reducing the level of antibiotics in milk.

The filter requires approximately 15 minutes to process 2L of milk. Each filter cartridge will last for around 2 weeks or approximately 8 litres of milk. the cartridges can be stored for up to 3 months.

In another example of the present invention, a travel version of the jug is provided. This is a scaled down version for a faster conversion of smaller volumes of milk on the go. for example, in conferences, hotels and airplanes.

Beads can also be provided for the removal of hormones. Bovine somatoropin (protein), Estradiol (sex hormone) and progesterone (steroid) are the main hormones found in cow's milk. All exist in varying levels dcpcndent on farming practiccs (organic vs. non organic, hormone injecting VS. natural etc.). Whilst there is no conclusive medical consensus on the health risks associated with consuming these hormones, for many consumers it would be desirable to remove or reduce the levels of these hormones from milk.

With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a transparent jug I, comprising a filter 2 for filtering milk, a hinged lid 11, a handle 12 and a spoutS. Thc filter 2 includes a plurality of lactase beads (not shown).

the jug I includes a receiving reservoir 3 for receiving milk and a storage reservoir 4 for storing milk which has passed from the receiving reservoir 3 through the filter 2 to the storage reservoir 4. Filtered milk can be poured out of the jug 1 from the storage reservoir 4 via a spout 5.

Figures 2. 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B show the filter 2 in greater detail.

With reference to Figure 2, the filter 2 is in the form of a replaceable cartridge having upper 2a and lower 2h sections which fit together to provide a cavity 2c in which a plurality of lactase beads (not shown) can be provided. In addition to lactase beads, additional beads can be provided within the cavity 2c for removing other components from milk or reducing the level of othcr components in milk, for example hormones and sugars. Furthermore, an indicator means (not shown) can be provided for indicating to a user when the filter has reached the end of its useful life. Alternatively, or in addition, a lactose sensor 13, for example in the form of a small chip tuned to detect lactose, can be provided in the storage reservoir. The indicator includes a display which conveys information to a user. the display could be in the form of mobile application software or a screen provided on the jug or filter.

The information displayed could also include the expiry date of the filtered milk.

the cavity 2c has a thickness X of about 2 cm and so when filled with heads, the milk will pass through a thickness of about 2cm of bcads. The beads (not shown) are distributed evenly throughout the cavity 2c.

The filter 2 is configured for even passage of milk therethrough. In this respect, it will be appreciated that as milk passes through the filter 2 it is not fimnelled to a single exit point; rather, the filter 2 is configured so that milk exits the filter 2 evenly across the surface area of its base 8.

the filter 2 comprises a milk receiving surface 6 comprising one or more apertures 7 and a milk releasing surface 8 comprising one or more apertures 9.

the milk receiving surface 6 comprises more apertures 7 than the milk releasing surihee S. this ensures that milk passes through the filler 2 at a sufficiently slow rare to enable the lactase beads to break down lactose in the milk. Typically, the filter 2 is configured so that it will take about 15 minutes for 2 litres of milk to pass through the filter 2.

With reference to Figures 3A, 3B and 5, it will be seen that the jug I and fitter 2 are substantially oval in shape. The filter cartridge 2 fits snugly within the jug 1 and is sited on a ledge 10. A possible arrangement of apertures 7. 9 is also shown.

the filter 2 is shaped to accommodate the spout S passageway.

With reference to Figure 6, a flow diagram is shown to demonstrate how a jug of the present invention could be used. As will be seen, (1) milk is poured into the receiving reservoir and (2) the jug is placed in the fridge for around 15 minutes to allow the milk to pass through the filter. Once the milk has been filtered (3) the filtered milk can be poured into a glass for consumption (4). Once the filter has reached the end of its useful life, it can be removed and thejug cteaned (5). A new filter can then he inserted into thejug (6).

Lactase beads for inclusion in the filter can be prepared using conventional techniques or purchased from a suitable supplier.

In one example. lactase beads can be prepared by making a solution of sodium alginate.

mixing in the desired concentration of lactase and then dropping into a solution of calcium chloride from a pipette. [he sodium ions in sodium atginate are replaced by calcium ions forming calcium alginate lactasc beads.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A jug comprising a filter for filtering milk, wherein the filter comprises one or more enzymes.
2. A jug comprising a filter for removing lactose from milk or reducing the level of lactose in milk.
3. Ajug according to claim 2, wherein the filter comprises one or more enzymes.
4. Ajug according to claim 1 or 3. wherein the one or more enzymes comprise laetase.
5. Ajug according to claim 1, 3 or 4. wherein the one or more enzymes are immobilised on and/or within a solid support.
6. Ajug according to claim 5. wherein the solid support comprises a plurality of beads.
7. A jug according to claim 6, wherein the beads comprise between about O.4mol/drn3 and about 1.Smol/dm3 lactase.
8. A jug according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the beads comprise at least about 0.4mol/dni3 laciase.
9. A jug according to any of claims S to 8, wherein the solid support is distributed evenly throughout the filter.
10. A jug according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter is configured for even passage of milk therethrough.
II. A jug according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter is for digesting lactose and removing or reducing the level of one or more additional components of milk.
12. A jug according to claim 11, wherein the one or more additional components of milk comprise one or more hormones, contaminants and/or antibiotics.
13. A jug according to any preceding claim, comprising an indicator for indicating to a user when the filter has reduced filtering ability.
14. Ajug according to claim 13, wherein the indicator is for indicating to a user when the ability of the filler to digest lactose in milk and/or remove or reduce the level of one or more additional components of milk has dccrcascd.
15. ijug according to claim 13 or 14. wherein the indicator is for indicating to a user when the lifter is no longer able to digest lactose in milk and/or remove or reduce the level of one or more addftional components of milk.
16. i\jug according to any of clainis 13 to 15, wherein the indicator comprises a lactosc sensor and/or one or more sensors of one or more additional components of milk.
17. A jug according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein an indicator is located in the storage reservoir.
IX. A jug according to any ofclaims 3 o 7, whcrcin an indicator is locatcd in thc filter.
19. i\jug according to any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the indicator is a digital monitor, for example a digital sensor, of milk content.
20. i\jug according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the indicator comprises a lactosc sensor.
21. A jug according to any of claims 13 to 20, whercin thc filter comprises an indicator molecule.
22. A jug according to claim 21, wherein the indicator molecule causes the filter to change colour when the activity of the one or more enzymes falls below a minimum rate of rcaction.
23. A jug according to any preceding claim, comprising a means for removing sugars from milk or reducing the level of sugars in milk.
24. A jug according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter is for removing sugars from milk or rcducingthc level of sugars in milk.
25. A jug according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the filter and/or jug comprises capture means capable of binding to sugars.
26. A jug according to claim 25, wherein the capture means comprise lectin.
27. A jug according to any preceding claim, wherein the jug and filter are substantially oval in shape.
28. Ajug according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter extends across substantially the entire width of the jug.
29. A jug according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter sits on a ledge provided around the inside surface of the jug.
30. A jug comprising a filter for removing hormones from milk or reducing the level of hormones in milk.
31. A jug comprising a filter for removing antibiotics from milk or reducing the level of antibiotics in milk.
32. A filter for use in ajug according to any preceding claim.
33. A device for filtering milk, the device comprising a filter according to claim 32.
34. A kit comprising (i) a jug according to any of claims ito 31 or a dcvicc according to claim 33. and (ii) one or more filters according to claim 32.
35. A kit according to claim 34, comprises a testing means for measuring contaminants in milk.