Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Rennet clotting of milk is a biochemical process that involves the enzymatic destabilization of casein micelles followed by their calcium-dependent aggregation.
The rate of clotting and the strength of the resulting curd are influenced by the source of the coagulating enzyme, the presence of soluble minerals, ionic strength, and the heat treatment history of the milk.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each statement:
1. Addition of Meito coagulating enzyme (A): Meito is a widely used microbial coagulant derived from the fermentation of Mucor pusillus.
It functions as a protease that cleaves $\kappa$-casein similarly to calf chymosin, making it a correct agent for rennet clotting.
2. Adding Calcium chloride (B): Adding $CaCl_2$ increases the concentration of free ionic calcium ($Ca^{2+}$), which neutralizes the negative charge on paracasein micelles and accelerates their aggregation.
This effectively decreases the rennet clotting time (RCT) and improves curd firmness.
Thus, statement B is correct.
3. Addition of Sodium chloride (C): Adding NaCl increases the ionic strength of the milk, which shields the charges on the proteins and inhibits the calcium-dependent aggregation phase.
This increases the clotting time rather than promoting quick clotting.
Thus, statement C is incorrect.
4. Use of sterilized milk (D): Sterilization denatures whey proteins, which form a protective complex with $\kappa$-casein and block rennet access.
It also precipitates soluble calcium into insoluble forms.
Consequently, sterilized milk will not clot with rennet.
Thus, statement D is incorrect.
Therefore, only statements A and B are correct.
Step 3: Final Answer
The correct statements with regard to rennet clotting of milk are A and B only.