Enumeration of potential microbiological hazards in milk from a marginal urban settlement in central South Africa Original Research Article

Milk samples from 60 randomly selected households in the Botshabelo township were collected and analysed for the presence of microorganisms. In a marked number of samples the total mesophilic, coliform and Escherichia coli counts exceeded the national standard (50 00 cfu ml−1 for total mesophilic counts; 10 cfu ml−1 for coliforms and absence of E. coli in 1 ml for both raw and pasteurized milk intended for consumption). Both the total mesophilic and coliform counts exceeded the national standard in more than 80% of the samples and reached counts of up to 1010 and 109 cfu ml−1, respectively. The E. coli counts were between 0 and 101 cfu ml−1 in 76.6% of the samples whilst counts of up to 105 were found in some instances. Although specific national guidelines in terms of aerobic and anaerobic spore-forming organisms, members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, yeasts and moulds have not yet been set, the counts of these microbiota were also very high. The data suggested that the general food–hygiene-related knowledge and infrastructure of the community was lacking, affirming the relationship between socio-economic status and household hygiene. The elevated microbial counts resulting from ignorance towards proper handling and housekeeping practices, pointed to milk as a sure medium of food-related infection in the area.