Quality, safety, and microbiological assessment of loose market milk and antibiotic resistance analysis of Escherichia coli isolates in different areas of Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Unpacked milk consumption is common in developing countries like Pakistan, raising concerns regarding adulteration and pathogen contamination. This study analyzed market-sold unpacked milk samples (n = 40) from Faisalabad for qualitative, adulteration, and microbiological parameters and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli. The mean ± standard deviation for each component was determined: Fat% (4.22 ± 0.78), Solid-Not-Fat (SNF)% (7.98 ± 1.19), Protein% (2.96 ± 0.50), Lactose% (4.49 ± 0.70), Density (25.59 ± 3.81 g mL−1), Salts% (0.66 ± 0.08), Added water% (8.56 ± 9.72), Temperature (28.00 ± 1.67), and Freezing point (−0.52 ± 0.72). Adulterants such as sodium chloride, detergent, formalin, urea, carbonate, and hydro-peroxide, along with high heterotrophic bacterial load, were detected. Antibiotic resistance profiling of E. coli strains exhibited resistance, including Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) strains. These findings highlight compromised microbiological and hygiene standards in locally sold unpacked milk in Faisalabad, necessitating urgent attention to ensure public health safety.