MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF POWDER MILK AT DHAKA METROPOLITAN AREA

Milk and milk powder are very rich in several nutrients and relished by everybody throughout the world. This study reports on the microbiological status of Powder milk samples belonging to seven different markets of Dhaka Metropolitan Area. The samples were tested for the Total Coliform Count (TCC), pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella spp count. The number of Coliform organisms varied from 20±2.83 to 450±2 (MPN/g).  The Coliform counts of the powder milk samples were exceeded the 100 per gram limit for dried milk powder recommended by the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF) and Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). The number of E. coli varied from 3±0.00 to 44±2.83 (MPN/g). The presence of E. coli in most of the samples indicates pre and post-processing contamination of the milk. No Salmonella spp. could be isolated from the samples. Since the international agencies have not fixed any limit for E. coli count in dry milk, the hygienic quality of those samples must be improved considerably. These results highlighted the necessity to maintain appropriate sanitary and hygienic measures at each critical point to safeguard consumers from foodborne pathogens.

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