Assessment of the Microbiological Quality of Raw Cow's Milk Produced in the Koundoul Subprefecture of Chad

Abstract

Background: Raw cow's milk can become microbiologically contaminated during production, handling, and marketing, potentially compromising its hygienic and sanitary quality. Aim: This study assessed the microbiological quality of raw cow's milk produced in the Koundoul subprefecture of Chad. Methods: Thirty raw-milk samples were collected from ten randomly selected producers, with three samples obtained from each producer. Samples were transported to the Food Quality Control Center laboratory and analysed using standard culture-based microbiological procedures. Total aerobic mesophilic flora (TAMF), total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, yeasts and moulds, and Salmonella spp. were investigated. Results: All 30 samples were non-compliant for TAMF. Total coliforms and E. coli each showed non-compliance in 16 of 30 samples (53.33%), while 14 of 30 samples (46.67%) were non-compliant for S. aureus. Yeasts and moulds exceeded the applicable criterion in 16 of 30 samples (53.33%). Salmonella spp. were detected in three samples, corresponding to 10% of the samples examined. Conclusion: The findings indicate unsatisfactory microbiological quality among the raw-milk samples examined in Koundoul. The observed bacterial and fungal contamination highlights the importance of hygienic practices during milking, handling, transport, and marketing. The relatively small sampling frame and absence of strain-level characterisation should be considered when interpreting the findings.