Evaluation of Microbiological Criteria of Raw Milk in Albania

Gentiana Bardhi^1*, ilirjana boci², ederina ninga³

¹Food National Authority, Tirana, Albania,

2Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania,

3 Department of Toxicology, Institute of Food Safety and Veterinary, Tirana, Albania

* Corresponding author e-mail: gbardhi12@yahoo.com

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 Abstract:

This paper gives the results of the Albanian monitoring plan for the raw milk in 121 domestic subjects: producing farms, collecting points and processing plants. The main objective for this monitoring was the evaluation of milk microbiological criteria. This monitoring was carried out during the year 2013 separated in two phases: 1-31 May and 1-31 October. Milk sampling was made by Regional Directorates Inspectors of National Food Authority in conformity to S SH ISO 707:1999 “Sampling method of milk and milk by-products. The microbial evaluation was carried out based on the norms laid down in Decision of Council of Ministers Nr.1132 date 05.08.2008: “Approving norms for collecting raw milk”. 415 samples were analyzed in total for the total content of micro flora as well as somatic cells. The TMC test was determined according to ISO 4833:2003 and SCC was determined according to White-Side-Test (WST), California Mastitis Test (CMT) and ISO 13366-1:1997. The results taken for the two phases of the monitoring plan has shown unsatisfactory results. This indicates that is necessary to improve the existing situation in milk producing farms, collecting points and processing plants as well.

Keywords: Raw milk, microbiological criteria, SCC- Somatic Cell Content, TAC-Total Aerobic Count.