Analysis of quality and antibiotic residues in raw milk marketed informally in the Province of Pichincha – Ecuador

Abstract

ABSTRACT In Ecuador, more than 50% of the milk produced was informally marketed, consequently, the mean of this study was to assess the quality of this milk specifically within the province of Pichincha, the largest milk producer. A total of 650 samples were gathered from the eight cantons within the province. The parameters that exhibited the highest levels of non-compliance, of Ecuadorian legislation, were titratable acidity, accounting for 72.77% of the samples, and protein stability, accounting for 49.34%; these findings indicate a significant presence of bacterial contamination. Concerning antibiotic detection, a frightening 28.46% of the samples tested positive for residues exceeding the maximum limits established by the Codex Alimentarius. The findings indicate that a significant proportion of milk sold through informal channels in Pichincha province-Ecuador poses a substantial risk to public health.