Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Proteolysis in refrigerated and raw milk results from extracellular proteinases secreted by psychrotrophic and spoilage bacteria.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Bacterial species actively causing proteolysis and bitterness in milk include:
1. Micrococcus spp. (Statement A): Secretes heat-stable extracellular proteases causing casein degradation.
2. Alcaligenes spp. (Statement B): Highly proteolytic psychrotroph producing ropiness and casein hydrolysis.
3. Proteus spp. (Statement C): Strongly proteolytic enteric bacterium actively breaking down milk proteins into peptones and amines.
Staphylococcus aureus (Statement D) is primarily an enterotoxin producer rather than a primary milk spoilage proteolytic agent.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, proteolysis in milk is caused by A, B & C only.