Local Dairy Products Research Articles

Exploring the Determinants of Consumer Behavior in West Bank, Towards Domestic and Imported Dairy Products

This paper aims to investigate factors influencing the purchasing behavior of Palestinian customers towards domestic and imported dairy products (Israeli and foreign). The secondary data were obtained from the competent authorities. On the other hand, primary data were gathered by utilizing personal interviews and questionnaires. 450 questionnaires were distributed to all governorates of the West Bank. It has been concluded from statistical results that middle-income households concern mainly about quality, image and product validity period. In contrast, low-income households consider mainly product price. The consumer was satisfied with Israeli products that meet his needs. On the other hand, local consumer highly considered price and personal knowledge when purchasing local dairy products. Advertising negatively affected the consumer purchasing behavior of Israeli and foreign dairy products, in contrast it positively affected his behavior when purchasing local dairy products. Period of validity was the most influential factor on the purchasing decision for domestic and imported dairy products. It has been found that consumer expenditures on Israeli dairy products were the highest followed by local and foreign products. Recommendations are as follows: i) producers should develop products that could meet the needs and desires of consumers, ii) draw effective marketing policies, depending on technologists specialized in dairy industry, iii) take into account consumer awareness when developing advertising strategy, and iv) quality control should be adjusted in accordance with product specifications and standards.

Do Consumers Pay More for What They Value More? The Case of Local Milk-based Dairy Products in Senegal

Senegalese consumers prefer milk-based dairy products that are local and fresh to ones produced with imported powder. However, prices for fresh-milk-based and powder-based products are not significantly different. I address this puzzle by first confirming the preference using choice-based conjoint data to evaluate whether Senegalese consumers will pay a significant positive premium for fresh local products. I then identify price determinants using a unique dataset of milk product characteristics. The results verify the Senegalese preference for fresh local dairy products and show that consumers' misinformation regarding product composition prevents them from allocating a higher price to local milk-based products.

Dual Effects of Lactobacilli as a Cholesterol Assimilator and an Inhibitor of Gastrointestinal Pathogenic Bacteria

Background: Probiotics are live microbial supplements which can improve the healthy intestinal microbial balance. Lactobacilli are a group of lactic acid producing bacteria (LAB) that are known as natural probiotics found in the dairy products. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to detect the most potent Lactobacillus isolates of the Fars province local dairy products in cholesterol removal and investigate their antibacterial properties against some gastrointestinal pathogens. Materials and Methods: Fifteen locally produced yogurt samples of the Fars province were collected and characterized with routine microbiology methods. Cholesterol removal ability of the Lactobacilli isolates were determined, and their growth inhibitory effect on some standard pathogenic strains pathogen was evaluated using the well-diffusion method. Results: In this study, five common strains of Lactobacilli including L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. fermentum, L. lactis, and L. bulgaricus were identified in the samples obtained from the locally produced yogurt in the Fars province. L. lactis and L. acidophilus were determined as the two most active strains with the maximum rate of cholesterol assimilation (5.6 and 4.5 mg/mL, respectively) in the process of cholesterol removal. In the antibacterial activity assay, the two mentioned strains had significant inhibitory effect on all of the tested bacteria except for B. subtilis. Conclusions: Cholesterol removal ability had a direct relation with bacterial growth, so it is suggested to use the probiotic bacteria in the growth phase to achieve better results.

Antibacterial Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria Cell Free Extract on the Growth of Local Isolates of Listeria moncytogenes from some Food Sources

The present study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of lactic acid bacteria metabolites against Listeria monocytogenes which was isolated from some foods in local markets of Erbil and Koya cities; 225 food samples were examined for the presence of Listeria species particularly L. monocytogenes from October 2010 to March 2011. The studied samples included 70 samples of raw chicken meat, 55 samples of raw milk, 50 samples of cheese and 50 samples of raw red meat. According to motility test, hemolysin production, sugar fermentation test, 8 isolates of L. monocytogenes were identified, 1 (2 %) isolate from cheese, 2 (4 %) isolates from red meat and 5 (7.3 %) isolates from chicken meat. The percentages of contaminated foods for Listeria species from chicken meat, raw milk, cheese and red meat were 20, 9, 20 and 22% respectively. With respect to the biocontrolling attempt, the effect of cell free extract (CFE) of lactic acid bacteria (LBA) which is considered as safe against isolated L. monocytogene was used as biocontrolling agent. The CFE of lactic acid bacteria which isolated from local dairy products, was tested for its controlling ability by agar diffusion method, the CFE showed inhibition zone from (15-23 mm) in diameter. Also the minimum inhibitory concentration MIC of CFE was determined at three additive percentages (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5ml to 10 ml of nutrient broth), the inhibition percentage ranged from (28.75 - 48.97) at (0.5 %), (52.13-95.55) at (1 %) and (82.93 -98.15) at (1.5 %) additive percentage of CFE of LAB.

Predictors of Serum Chlorinated Pesticide Concentrations among Prepubertal Russian Boys

Background: Few studies have evaluated predictors of childhood exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), a class of lipophilic persistent chemicals.Objectives: Our goal was to identify predictors of serum OCP concentrations—hexachlorobenzene (HCB), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), and p,p-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p´-DDE)—among boys in Chapaevsk, Russia.Methods: Between 2003 and 2005, 499 boys 8–9 years of age were recruited in a prospective cohort. The initial study visit included a physical examination; blood collection; health, lifestyle, and food-frequency questionnaires; and determination of residential distance from a local factory complex that produced HCB and β-HCH. Fasting serum samples were analyzed for OCPs at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. General linear regression models were used to identify predictors of the boys’ serum HCB, β-HCH, and p,p´-DDE concentrations.Results: Among 355 boys with OCP measurements, median serum HCB, β-HCH, and p,p´-DDE concentrations were 158, 167, and 284 ng/g lipid, respectively. Lower body mass index, longer breastfeeding duration, and local dairy consumption were associated with higher concentrations of OCPs. Boys who lived < 2 km from the factory complex had 64% (95% CI: 37, 96) and 57% (95% CI: 32, 87) higher mean HCB and β-HCH concentrations, respectively, than boys who lived ≥ 5 km away. Living > 3 years in Chapaevsk predicted higher β-HCH concentrations, and having parents who lacked a high school education predicted higher p,p´-DDE concentrations.Conclusions: Among this cohort of prepubertal Russian boys, predictors of serum OCPs included consumption of local dairy products, longer local residence, and residential proximity to the local factory complex.Citation: Lam T, Williams PL, Burns JS, Sergeyev O, Korrick SA, Lee MM, Birnbaum LS, Revich B, Altshul LM, Patterson DG Jr, Turner WE, Hauser R. 2013. Predictors of serum chlorinated pesticide concentrations among prepubertal Russian boys. Environ Health Perspect 121:1372–1377; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1306480

L’organisation des circuits d’approvisionnement en lait de la ville de N’Djamena (Tchad)

Objective: The objective of the study is to understand the organization and operation of the supply chains of local dairy products in the city of N'Djamena in. Methodology and results: This study was conducted using a semi-structured survey. The information was collected from the players involved in the different circuits i.e. Consumers, collectors, vendors, processors and producers. The results showed that the consumption by households of local and imported dairy products depends on the eating habits and the level of household income. Dairy products consumption outside the home

Microbiological survey of milk and dairy products from a small scale dairy processing unit in Maroua (Cameroon)

In the African context, the production of milk and dairy products is affected by the application of improper procedures during milking and processing, leading to microbial spoilage of milk, especially in local small scale processing plants.The aim of this survey was to identify potential hazards and evaluate the microbial contamination of milk and dairy products in a small scale dairy processing unit located in Cameroon.During a 6 week period, raw and pasteurized milk samples were evaluated for Total Aerobic Bacterial Count – TBC, Total Coliforms, Escherichia coli and Coagulase Positive Staphylococci – CPS; dairy products (yoghurt, soft cheese, mozzarella and ricotta) were also submitted to the count of Total Coliforms, E. coli and CPS.Contamination levels of raw milk samples varied widely; about half of the samples complied with threshold values for TBC (<6.3 Log CFU/ml), while high coliforms counts (>5.0 Log CFU/ml) were detected in some samples.In pasteurized milk, high residual counts were observed, indicating an insufficient efficacy of thermal treatment applied at the small scale unit; residual values >3 Log CFU/ml were detected for TBC, in some cases associated with high counts for the other parameters.Among dairy products, mozzarella and soft cheese resulted the most contaminated by coliforms (mean value ≥ 2.7 Log CFU/g), while low contamination levels were detected for ricotta and yoghurt. Some samples of mozzarella also harboured high counts (>3 Log CFU/g) of E. coli.Based on microbiological outcomes and milk production flow characterisation, Preventive and Corrective Measures were defined for milking and processing phases (thermal treatment, packaging and storage), focussing on training of farmers and dairy employees to improve the hygiene of the local milk and dairy production chain.

Product innovation and its influence on consumer purchasing pattern – a study on packaged dairy products in Bettiah (west Champaran, Bihar)

This article throws light on the usage pattern and the reasons behind low sensitivity of packaged dairy products. This paragraph obtains information concerning consumers' preferences and knowledge of processing organic/dairy products. It also identifies those consumers who are most likely to get processed organic/dairy products. The objectives of this study were to examine the usage pattern, user preferences, and scopes for products change, with respect to the packaged (and branded) dairy products in the town; Bettiah, West Champaran, Bihar. The researcher has used a descriptive research study using a structured questionnaire for collecting the necessary details for research analysis. Descriptive frequencies analysis used to determine the user or household characteristics that affect the purchase order related to packaged dairy products. The study also showed that, the family size and families with higher earnings were more concerned with quality of packaged dairy product. Further, this study also revealed that, majority of the population living in rural areas still uses the unprocessed, unbranded local dairy products only, which are neither healthy nor enriched with nutrients.

High-level acetaldehyde production by an indigenous Lactobacillus strain obtained from traditional dairy products of Iran

Isolation and characterization of new Lactobacilli strains with high level acetaldehyde production, from traditional fermented milk, in different provinces of Iran, are reported. In this study, a total of 112 local dairy products such as yoghurt and doogh were collected from four provinces in the west of Iran, namely Kordestan, Kermanshah, Ilam and Lorestan. Ninety three isolates with extensive diverse phenotypic and biochemical characteristics were identified. These isolates were screened for productions of acetaldehyde during fermentation of skim milk. 67 isolate were positive for acetaldehyde production. Two strains (KR43 and IL121) with the highest acetaldehyde production were further characterized by amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and their phylogenetic trees were constructed. The results showed that the two strains were similar to Lactobacillus fermentum. 2-dimensional electrophoresis analysis was used to investigate the proteome of the cytosolic fraction extracted from stationary phase cells of the KR43 strain. Also some spots of KR43 strain were analyzed by MS/MS subunits of acetoin dehydrogenase involved in the production of acetaldehyde from acetoin, which has not been reported in Lactobacilli yet. To our knowledge, this is the first report inLactobacilli. Key words: Acetaldehyde production, acetoin dehydrogenase, Lactobacillus, Iran, proteomics, fermented foods, dairy products

Probiotic properties of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli isolated from local dairy products

Fourteen strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were isolated from raw milk and fermented dairy products produced by local traditional industries. These strains were evaluated for potential use as probiotics based on their adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells, resistance towards acidic and bile conditions, and antimicrobial activities. All strains exhibited varying levels of adhesion properties on mucin that were strain-dependent. Although most strains tolerated acidic conditions of pH 2, 3, and 4, the viability of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced at pH 2. Most strains also tolerated bile conditions similar to that of the gastrointestinal tract. A higher inhibition was observed in the presence of deconjugated bile, such as cholic acid, compared to deconjugated bile, such as taurocholic acid. In addition, most strains also showed antimicrobial activity towards intestinal pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The findings from this study show that strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria isolated from local dairy products may be promising probiotics for use as dietary adjuncts or the development of new functional foods.

The Natamycin Preservation of the Laboratory produced cheese against spoilage of Yeasts &amp; Moulds

The study conducted an attempts to improve the Keeping quality (Shelf T.) of Laboratory processed cheeses by the Natamycin preservation against spoilage of Yeasts &amp; Moulds . Random collected samples of processed soft cheeses collected from different areas of Baghdad to produce Laboratory processed cheeses by using the best mix of Emulsifying salts that is composed of :- 90% Na tripolyphosphate + 10% 3Na citrate . Laboratory processed cheeses without preservative treating lasted to be fit for humane consumption for (30) day when store at room temp. &amp; aerobic Condition &amp; for (45) day when store at room temp. &amp; non aerobic condition &amp; for (40) day when store at refrigeration temp. &amp; aerobic condition &amp; for (60) day when store at refrigeration temp. &amp; non aerobic condition.While the Laboratory processed cheeses which treated with Natamycin lasted to be fit for humane consumption for (35) day when store at room temp. &amp; aerobic condition &amp; for (45) day when store at room temp. &amp; non aerobic condition &amp; for (40) day when store at refrigeration temp. &amp; aerobic condition &amp; for (60) day when store at refrigeration temp. &amp; non aerobic condition . Such finding of high concentration of Yeasts &amp; Moulds count ides to the fact that the use of Preservative lead to Prolongation Shelf time of Dairy products depending on storing temperature at (room or refrigeration) &amp; depending on storing condition by (aerobic or non aerobic) . Results showed that such cheese of low quality and did not meet both local and international Dairy products standards and unfit for human consumption .

Study of Pollution Levels of heavy metals residues in the locally produced cheese &amp; emulsifying salts

The study was conducted to indicate the compartive measurements of heavy metals residues levels were detected by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer in 10 random samples of locally processed cheeses and in 20 random samples of emulsifying salts collectd from different areas in Baghdad , results showed that such cheese of low quality and did not meet both local and international Dairy products standards , Such findings of high concentration of heavy metals residues indicate that the emulsifying salts used in processing were not nutritional but of industrial origin and unfit for human consumption . The results show that is the concentration *[p.p.m.] of heavy metals residues **(±MD) in the locally processed cheeses samples were &lt; 0.1±0.001 p.p.m. for both of Cd. &amp; Mn. , 3.5±0.28 p.p.m. for Fe. , &lt; 0.05±0.001 p.p.m. for Pb. , 7.3±0.3 p.p.m. for Zn. &amp; 0.24±0.01p.p.m. for Cu. .. While the concentration *[p.p.m.] of heavy metals residues **(±MD) in the Emulsifying salts were 1.55±0.145 p.p.m. for Cd. , 1.7±0.16 p.p.m. for Mn. , 16±1.12 p.p.m. for Fe. , 3.15±0.275 p.p.m. for Pb. , 233.1±5.6 p.p.m. for Zn. &amp; 1.95±0.085 p.p.m. for Cu.

Organochlorine and heavy metals in newborns: Results from the Flemish Environment and Health Survey (FLEHS 2002–2006)

To collect regional information on internal levels of pollutants in humans in Flanders, 1196 mother–child pairs were systematically recruited in 2002–2003 via 25 maternities across Flanders. Cd, Pb, PCB congeners 118, 170, 138, 153 and 180, p,p′-DDE — a key metabolite of DDT- and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were measured in cord blood or plasma. Cd was detected in 64% of the samples (geometric mean 0.21 µg/L cord blood). p,p′-DDE (110 ng/g plasma lipids) and Pb (14.7 µg/L blood), were measurable in nearly all samples. The individual PCB congeners could be detected in 40 to 81% of the newborns (138 + 153 + 180 = 64.4 ng/g plasma lipids). HCB (18.9 ng/g plasma lipids) and dioxin-like compounds measured by DR-CALUX® (23 pg CALUX-TEQ/g lipids) were above detection limit in more than 75% of the samples. Age and smoking habits of the mothers, did not influence the cord blood Pb and Cd levels. The organochlorines increased 4 to 9% per year of the mother's age (partial R 2 = 0.05 to 0.22). Mothers had 2.6% less PCBs in cord blood (partial R 2 = 0.02) for each unit increase in pre-pregnancy BMI. Season of delivery, breastfeeding previous children or consumption of local dairy products, were minor determinants. Up to 20% of the variability in organochlorine concentrations was explained by residence area. It was concluded that the place of birth in Flanders is an important determinant of the load of pollutants measured at the start of life. This underlines the validity of human biomonitoring on (relatively) small geographical scale.

Isolation of Lactic Acid Bacteria with High Biological Activity from Local Fermented Dairy Products

The thirty-two strains of lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the Mongolian traditional fermented dairy products, among them 25 strains show antimicrobial activity against test microorganisms including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomоnas aeruginosa. Protease sensitivity assay demonstrated that the antimicrobial substances produced by isolates А23, Т2 are bacteriocins as their antibacterial activities were eliminated completely after treatment with protease. Identifi cation of bacteria is being carried out. Among the isolates 22 strains show protease enzyme producing activity. The selected strains isolated from mare’s fermented milk (airag or kumis) and yoghurt (tarag) show the specifi c protease activity from 7.9 μg/ml to 11.9 μg/ml. The strain T2, isolated from yoghurt exhibited the highest proteolytic activity.

Incidence and antibiotic susceptibility of bacteriocin‐producing lactic acid bacteria from dairy products

Screening for bacteriocin production by strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from local dairy products in Iran resulted in the detection of 10 bacteriocin‐producing strains. Among 105 isolated, 10 bacteriocin producers were phenotypically and genotypically identified as Enterococcus spp. The antimicrobial compounds produced by these novel strains were inactivated by trypsin, proteinase k. These bacteriocins also were active in a wide range of pH and temperature values, and inhibited not only the closely related LAB, but also Listeria monocytogenes.

Development of human lactic acid (LAB) gastrointestinal microbiota in a Greek rural population

Abstract In order to investigate the Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) of the gut, fecal samples were collected and analyzed from 120 healthy Greek volunteers ranging from age 1 to age 85, all of whom declared daily consumption of local fermented dairy products. LAB strains were isolated using selective media under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Identification of the isolates was based on their growth patterns, morphological characteristics, and carbohydrate fermentation profiles. There was no significant difference in the abundance of Lactobacillus brevis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacilus paracasei and Bifidobacterium sp., in all samples. Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactococcus casei, Lactococcus pentosus, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactococcus delbrueckii subsp. lactis, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus avium and Leuconostoc sp. were also recovered, mainly from the adults and elders rather than the children’s group. Despite the above differences in LAB species observed mostly between the younger and the other two age groups, differences were also observed within all groups, indicating that healthy subjects of all ages are colonized by a diverse lactoflora in terms of total or dominant species.

Dairy production in urban and periurban area of Extrême-Nord in Cameroon: milk yield and microbial contamination

Local dairy production plays a very important role in developing countries in order to promote the health status of the population. To determine the weight and the hygiene level of milk products, available in the market of the capital city of the Extrême-Nord region, a survey on the milk yield and microbial contamination was developed. Milk samples from 89 dairy farmers in the urban and periurban area of Maroua, divided in 11 groups, matching the Groupe d’Initiative Commune (groups of common interest - GICs), were analyzed for yield, pH value, temperature, density and microbial contamination. The belonging to the different groups of farmers had a statistical influence on milk quantity and density, according to the feed availability. As well the season had an influence on all the quality and quantity parameters. The time and season of delivery affected significantly the milk quality, instead no influence was attributed to the microbial contamination. The results of this survey showed an adequate qualitative level of the local milk production, which may be improved with a higher feeding system and with a better organisation of the delivery.

Dynamique des filières laitières en zone sahélienne : cas de l’offre et de la demande du lait en zone agropastorale centre du Sénégal

Au Sénégal, comme dans beaucoup de pays de l’Afrique de l’Ouest, le poids des importations de lait et de produits laitiers dans la balance commerciale a fini par faire de l’amélioration de la production laitière locale une priorité. Dans cette perspective, un programme d’insémination artificielle a été lancé en 1994 au Sénégal. Cette étude, initiée dans le cadre du Programme concerté de recherche-développement sur l’élevage en Afrique de l’Ouest (Procordel), a eu pour objectif de mieux comprendre la filière dans le bassin arachidier du Sénégal. Les données ont été collectées auprès de 96 éleveurs, 50 commerçants en produits laitiers et 120 consommateurs, repartis dans les régions de Kaolack et de Fatick. Les résultats ont montré que les modes de production animale tendaient vers l’intensification, avec une réduction des effectifs du fait de la restriction de l’espace pastoral. Dans les deux régions de l’étude, la production laitière des métisses a atteint en moyenne 5,6 L/vache/jour. L’alimentation a été identifiée comme la principale contrainte à la production chez les agroéleveurs, surtout en saison sèche. Le système de commercialisation était caractérisé par un circuit très court. Cette commercialisation était assurée par les femmes qui faisaient face à des contraintes importantes liées à l’insuffisance de l’offre de lait et le manque fréquent de moyens de transport, en particulier dans les zones enclavées. En plus de la faiblesse de l’offre, une quasi- absence d’unités de transformation et de valorisation des produits laitiers dans la région a été observée. A cela s’ajoutait le manque de performance des organisations de producteurs intervenant dans la filière. La demande en produits laitiers devenait cependant de plus en plus importante et diversifiée avec le développement des importations. Elle était corrélée aux niveaux de revenus et aux préférences ou habitudes alimentaire des consommateurs

Typicity and biodiversity of goat and sheep milk products

Production of typical dairy products from goats and ewes using local and traditional resources, plays a direct role in biodiversity enhancement. The breeding of dairy goats and sheep is characteristic of marginal and less favourite areas, where local breeds must adapt to local resources. Therefore, in these areas, typical products have been developed according to local resources available. The production of cheese with particular characteristics can be carried out only if genetic diversity in sheep and goat rearing is retained. In the European Community the originality of the goat and sheep milk products is protected by the legislation on the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and the Protected Geographic Indications (PGI). These designations constitute an element for the protection of the biodiversity of a territory (geological, pedological, climatical), plants, animals and microbes, practices and production systems, linked to the history and the local culture. On the other hand they assure suitable income for the rural population, protecting the products with a denomination against a competition based on low prices. International rules are opportune in order to protect the typical products, their specific characteristics and their biodiversity, encouraging the permanent residence of the population in the rural areas, especially in the less favourite areas. Milk composition, and especially proteins and fat, may vary according to genetic diversity of the animals and different feeding systems, giving peculiar features to the milk utilized to make typical cheeses. The paste rennet, usually produced by shepherds themselves from the abomasum of the lambs or kids of their flock, or the vegetable rennet from the cardoon ( Cynara cardunculus) flowers locally harvested, are technological factors that strongly influence the quality of the local dairy products. Furthermore, the microbiological features and diversity in milk, starters and cheeses, with a main focus on the interaction with the environment and the exigency to preserve the microbiological diversity will be also reviewed.

Does Living Near a Superfund Site Contribute to Higher PolychlorinatedBiphenyl (PCB) Exposure?

We assessed determinants of cord serum polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels among 720 infants born between 1993 and 1998 to mothers living near a PCB-contaminated Superfund site in Massachusetts, measuring the sum of 51 PCB congeners (∑PCB) and ascertaining maternal address, diet, sociodemographics, and exposure risk factors. Addresses were geocoded to obtain distance to the Superfund site and neighborhood characteristics. We modeled log10(∑PCB) as a function of potential individual and neighborhood risk factors, mapping model residuals to assess spatial correlates of PCB exposure. Similar analyses were performed for light (mono–tetra) and heavy (penta–deca) PCBs to assess potential differences in exposure pathways as a function of relative volatility. PCB-118 (relatively prevalent in site sediments and cord serum) was assessed separately. The geometric mean of ∑PCB levels was 0.40 (range, 0.068–18.14) ng/g serum. Maternal age and birthplace were the strongest predictors of ∑PCB levels. Maternal consumption of organ meat and local dairy products was associated with higher and smoking and previous lactation with lower ∑PCB levels. Infants born later in the study had lower ∑PCB levels, likely due to temporal declines in exposure and site remediation in 1994–1995. No association was found between ∑PCB levels and residential distance from the Superfund site. Similar results were found with light and heavy PCBs and PCB-118. Previously reported demographic (age) and other (lactation, smoking, diet) correlates of PCB exposure, as well as local factors (consumption of local dairy products and Superfund site dredging) but not residential proximity to the site, were important determinants of cord serum PCB levels in the study community.