Assessment of bacterial content in raw and packaged cow milk in Saladin Governorate, IraqAssessment of bacterial content in raw and packaged cow milk in Saladin Governorate, Iraq
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Cow's milk is the most consumed product worldwide. However, due to bacterial contamination, milk, can be risky for consumer's health. Despite pasteurization and techniques applied to date, they have not demonstrated efficacy in eliminating contaminants. It is important to know the content of bacteria in raw and packaged cow milk in order to avoid food-borne diseases. Objective: The study was designed to assess the bacterial prevalence of raw cow's milk in Saladin Governorate, Iraq, and to compare it with the bacterial prevalence of imported packaged cow milk. Method: The study involved ninety milk samples, thirty samples of each of pasteurized raw domestic milk, imported cow milk, and domestic cow milk, and was analyzing the morphological properties of the colony, gram stain, and biochemical tests. Results: The study findings indicated that raw milk was contaminated with Staph. aureus, Staph. epidermidis, Staph. saprophyticus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, E. aerogenes, and P.mirabilis. The prevalence percentages of bacterial species in raw milk samples were 21%, 12%, 6%, 9%, 3%, 6%, and 6%, respectively. In comparison, imported packaging milk had a lower percentage of bacteria than raw milk. Conclusion: Our study reveals that raw home milk in Saladin Governorate is contaminated with various bacteria. The contamination arises from inadequate hygiene practices during milk handling. While imported milk is less contaminated, it still contains bacteria. This can be attributed to contamination that occurs after the production process. Should subject raw domestic and imported milk to pasteurization before consumption to decrease the risk of foodborne illness.
Authors: Khaldoon Mohammed, Marwa Muzahim Mahdee Al-Doori, Elaf Mohammed Harz, Dunia Kamal Salim
Institutions: University of Babylon, University of Tikrit
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $120
OpenAlex ID: W4404776415