The Microbiological Quality of Fresh Camel Milk Marketed Within Tripoli City Area

Abstract

This study was carried out during the period from July to October 2012. The aim of the study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of fresh camel milk sold to the public from eight food stores located within Tripoli city and its suburbs area. The evaluation included estimation of the counts of microbial   contamination indicators. In addition, titratable acidity, specific density, and pH values for 144 milk samples were determined. The results of the study showed that the averages of the total acidity, pH and specific density values of the milk samples were 0.185±0.026, 6.40±0.18 and 1.029±0.0026, respectively. According to the Jordanian Standard Specification No (4) for the year 2003 regarding raw (fresh) milk, 26.38% of the samples exceeded the maximum allowable level and 25% of the samples recorded specific density values below the minimum allowable level. The averages of Heterotrophic Plate Counts (HPC), Psychotropic Counts, Total Counts of Coliforms and S. aureus bacteria were 4.7x107, 4.6x106, 4.8x106 and 3.9x105 CFU/ml, respectively. According to the same standard specification, the number of samples which exceeded the maximum allowable count   (4x106 CFU/ml)   for HPC was 64 samples   (44.44%).The results obtained from this study illustrate the presence of high counts of microbial contamination indicators   in most camel milk samples   investigated   with high levels of titratable acidity as well as possible adulteration of some samples with water which lowers the overall quality of the milk.

Key words: Camel milk, microbial contamination indicators, titratable acidity, specific density and pH.