DefinePK

Abstract

In this study, the microbial quality and safety of the market and UHT milk were studied. A total of 158 milk samples 125 raw market milk and 33 UHT milk was collected randomly from different supermarkets and retailer shops in Cairo and Giza governorates. Samples were analyzed for Aerobic Plate Count APC, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and yeast and mold counts, as well as for the pathogens E. coli O157H7 and Salmonella spp. All market milk samples were found to be contaminated, having bacterial load exceeding the acceptable limit. The microbiological quality of market milk was judged a poor, whereas the quality of UHT milk samples was excellent. Pathogenic bacteria E. coli, B. cereus and S. aureus were detected in some of the market milk samples but none of the UHT milk samples contained any bacteria. None of the market and UHT milk samples taken contained detectable levels of Salmonella and E. coli O157H7. A high microbial load of market milk may present a public health hazard to the consumers and emphasizes the need for improved hygienic standards.