Microbiological quality and antibiotic residues in informally marketed raw cow milk within the coastal savannah zone of Ghana

K. K. Addo, G. I. Mensah, K. G. Aning, N. Nartey, G. K. Nipah, C. Bonsu, M. L. Akyeh, H. L. Smits

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives To investigate the microbiological quality and the presence of antibiotic residues in raw cow milk and in some indigenous milk products produced and marketed by the informal sector in the coastal savannah zone of Ghana.Methods Milk samples were aseptically collected from 224 kraals and samples of 26 indigenous milk products were purchased from processors and retailers. Total plate counts, total coliform counts and the presence of Escherichia coli and E. coli O157:H7 were determined in all 250 samples. Milk samples were also tested for antibiotic residues. Results Total plate counts exceeded 10 5 CFU/ml in 45.2% of the samples while coliforms exceeded 10 3 CFU/ml in 66.0% and E. coli was detected in 11.2%. E. coli was present in raw cow milk but not in the indigenous products and all E. coli isolates were negative for E. coli O157:H7. Antibiotic residues were detected in 3.1% of the raw cow milk samples. Conclusion Bulk milk contains unacceptable levels of hygiene indicators and antibiotic residues and is a potential source of milk-borne infections. The detection of E. coli and antibiotic residues raises public health concerns about the safety of fresh unpasteurized cow milk in the coastal savannah zone of Ghana and calls for improved farm hygiene, the need for milk pasteurization and the sensible use of antibiotics in the milk industry.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)227-232
Number of pages6
JournalTropical Medicine and International Health
Volume16
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Antibiotic residues
  • Coliform count
  • E. coli O157:H7
  • Ghana
  • Kraal
  • Raw milk

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