What indicator may suggest poor handling of milk during production?

The presence of water in milk is a strong indicator of poor handling during production. This situation commonly arises from intentional adulteration or contamination, often to increase the volume of milk sold. Water can dilute the natural components of milk, affecting its quality, taste, and nutritional value.

If milk is found to have an unusual amount of water, it signifies not only potential tampering but also possible issues in storage and transportation, where water could inadvertently mix with milk. This dilution impacts the product's overall integrity and is a clear marker for improper handling practices.

Other options like low fat content, high pH level, and excessive cream formation can point to various quality control issues, but they do not as directly indicate mishandling or contamination as the presence of water does. Each of these factors can arise from different causes, such as feed quality affecting fat content or pH changes due to spoilage, rather than indicating a careless approach to milk production.