Milk and Dairy Products

In many countries of the world, the dairy industry is one of the most important food sectors and it has, by and large, been very successful in providing safe products. Nevertheless, the dairy sector, like other food sectors, also has its challenges, as from farm to the point of consumption, dairy products can become contaminated with a broad range of microbial and chemical hazards. The sources of contamination are multiple and the pathways are complex. Contamination of milk can occur directly by dairy animals shedding pathogens into the milk, or indirectly by contamination of the milk during the milking process, collection and transportation. Infected animals or asymptomatic carriers can shed the organisms in the feces and contaminate the milk through the environment. Other sources of environmental contamination are water, pests, soil, feces, pets and contaminated feed. Infected farmers, not respecting hand hygiene, are also a potential source of contamination of milk. During milking, collection and transportation, milk can be subjected to further contamination by the equipment and/or be subjected to time–temperature abuse, creating optimum conditions for microbial growth. Hence, ensuring safety of milk and dairy products starts on the farm with animal health, quality of feed, a hygienic environment and, in general, good animal husbandry. Nevertheless, pasteurization of milk is necessary to kill any surviving organisms and reduce the risk of illness to an acceptable level. Provided that hygienic measures are taken to prevent any post-process contamination, milk and dairy products can be produced and consumed safely. The present chapter reviews risks and control measures all along the production chain.