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Library Microbiological safety of milk and processing and consumption behaviour in pastoral areas in southern Ethiopia

Microbiological safety of milk and processing and consumption behaviour in pastoral areas in southern Ethiopia

Microbiological safety of milk and processing and consumption behaviour in pastoral areas in southern Ethiopia

Resource information

Date of publication
сентября 2016
Resource Language
ISBN / Resource ID
handle:10568/76997
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The objective of the present study was to assess the behaviour of people in milk

production and consumption using qualitative methods. Further, the study involved

the microbiological quality and safety assessment of milk and traditional dairy

products along milk value chains. The investigation involved largely women given

that women are customarily involved in milk handling and processing. Individual

semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observations were used to

(1) document milk production and processing practices, (2) assess perception on

quality and safety of milk including perceived criteria for good milk, (3) assess

awareness on milkborne diseases, and (4) evaluate milk boiling practices. The

interviews and discussions were documented using field note and audio recording

which later were transcribed and analysed by identifying the themes. For the

microbiological assessment, a total of 203 samples: 145 pooled milk, 40 directly from

udder and 18 ititu (fermented whole milk curd with whey removed) were analysed for

E. coli count and selected pathogens (E. coli O157:H7, Listeria spp. and

Staphylococcus aureus). The result showed that cow milk is processed into different

products such as ititu, butter milk, butter and ghee. Goat milk is either directly

consumed by children during herding or added to tea instead of further processing.

Camel milk production is practiced only in some villages and appreciated for its larger

volume especially during dry season and widely consumed and marketed fresh. Most

of the respondents stated that humans cannot get disease from milk consumption

and boiling of fresh milk is not a common practice in the area because people believe

that “vitamin is destroyed when boiled” and “boiled milk is considered as dead”. On

the other hand, milk is usually consumed with tea by adding the milk into hot boiled

and filtered tea. Women mentioned smoking as a way to ensure quality, shelf life and

safety of milk and traditionally produced dairy products. However, observation of milk

handling and processing practice revealed apparent unhygienic conditions. E. coli

was detected in 51.7% of the analysed samples with a mean count of 5x105 CFU/ml.

The study also revealed that 2.5%, 10.8% and 1.5% of the samples harbour E. coli

O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria spp., respectively. Thus the findings of

this study highlight the need to promote hygienic practises and measuring the effect

of these. In addition there is a need to closely engage with local communities to

improve their understanding on milk safety risks and thus to facilitate a change in

practices.

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Authors and Publishers

Author(s), editor(s), contributor(s)

Amenu, K.
Szonyi, B.
Wieland, Barbara
Grace, Delia

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