Risk Factors and Possible Strategies to Mitigate Microbiological Hazards in Milk and Dairy Products in Ethiopia: A Review

Abstract

The quality and safety of milk and dairy products are global concerns, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia. Poor animal health and unhygienic production environments often contribute to on-farm contamination with microbiological hazards throughout the milk value-chain. Sources of contamination include milk handling equipment with unsanitary design, improper milk storage conditions, and unhygienic milk transportation. Moreover, lack of knowledge and skills for hygienic production and processing of milk and dairy products are the major concerns for the dairy industry in the country. All of these challenges contribute to microbial contamination of milk and dairy products, which increases the risk of foodborne diseases. To protect the public health, improving the safety of milk and dairy products should be prioritized through interventions targeting improvements in hygienic and sanitary production practices.