Physico-Chemical and Bacteriological Qualities of Raw Milk from Collection Centers and Hawking Activity in the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra Region (Morocco)

Abstract

The study aims to analyze the two circuits of the dairy chain: authorized and unauthorized, by studying the parameters influencing the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of milk in both networks. Samples of raw milk (n=22), collected from nine collection centers (CCL): four authorized and five unauthorized in the region of Kenitra, and four hawking points in the region of Rabat, during a period between March and May 2022, were analyzed to evaluate their physicochemical and bacteriological qualities. The physicochemical quality of the milk included the measurement of chlorides, lactose and fat content, and the determination of titratable acidity and freezing point. The bacteriological quality was assessed by counting the total aerobic mesophilic flora (TAMF), total and fecal coliforms, presumed pathogenic staphylococci and searching for Salmonella. The fat content varies considerably depending on where the milk samples are collected; the average is 4.13% for licensed collection centers, versus 2.94% for unlicensed collection centers and 2.82% for hawking activity.  In terms of hygienic quality, the average bacterial load of TAMF in milk from the authorized collection centers is 3.8×10⁸ CFU/ml. Total coliforms (TC) are present with an average rate of 9.37 ×10⁵ CFU/ml with an average portion of 7.87 ×10³ CFU/ml in fecal coliforms (FC), and 1.03 ×10⁶ CFU/ml for presumed pathogenic staphylococci. On the other hand, milk samples from unauthorized collection centers and hawking activity showed higher levels of microbial contamination than those from licensed collection centers. Salmonella was not detected in any of the samples analyzed. The non-compliance with hygiene practices and the late application of cold during the milking, the collection, and the transportation of raw milk, partly explain the origin of this finding.