Handling Of Milk Research Articles

Improved solar milk chilling system using variable refrigerant flow technology (VRF)

The improper post milking handling and storage results in a complete wastage due to the microorganisms and bacterial multiplication present in raw milk. The torque load minimalizing in the chilling unit using a solar photovoltaic (PV) is indeed a challenging task for the smooth functioning of the milk chilling system especially for the conventional (reciprocating) type of compressors. The variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology not only solves the toque load problem but also reduces the size of peak power requirement of PV array. The present study enables the design of an improved solar chilling system consists of a chilling tank (200 L capacity) coupled with one tonne of refrigeration unit powered by PV panels (2 kWp) and employing VRF technology to make system more energy efficient by reducing the torque load. Experiments were conducted using different batch sizes (50, 100, 150 and 200 L) to decrease the raw milk temperature from 30 °C to 4 °C. During optimization phase the comparative power required to run various types of compressors (reciprocating, rotary with capacitor and rotary with VRF) were found to be 1.8 kW, 1.2 kW and 0.8 kW, respectively whereas the torque loads were noted to be 3.3 kW, 1.6 kW and zero kW for respective compressor type. The experimental and modeled predicted power consumption and chilling time under different batch sizes revealed excellent correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.99, P < 0.0001). Around one tonne of refrigeration unit is sufficient to chill 200 L of milk up to 4 °C within less than two hours.

Production, Handling, Traditional Processing Practices and Quality of Milk in Kembata Tembaro Zone Milk Shed Area, Southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Kembata Tembaro zone, kdida Gamela and kachabira woredas, of the southern Regional State with the objectives of: to assess the milk production systems, traditional milk handling and processing practices and determine the compositional and microbiological quality of milk produced at smallholder farmers’ level. A single-visit-multiple-subject formal survey was used to collect data. A total of 150 households (75 from each woreda) were individually interviewed. All respondents reported that they wash hands and milk vessels before milking cows. However, the overall milking hygienic practice followed by the farmers in the area is poor. Ensira is the major container used for milking and storing dairy products in the study area. All the respondents (100%) in Kedida and 93.3 percent in kachebirra use Ensira for milking. With regard to churning, the majority of the respondents (98.7%) in Kedida use Ensira churn while 76.32 percent in Kachebirra use clay pot churn. Terminalia brownie and Acacia spp. are the most frequently used plant species for smoking milk vessels in the study area. The major constraints to milk production in the study area lack of milk collection centers/ lack of market, and poor quality milk products to be the major problems of the traditional milk processing practices. Only two dairy cooperatives were identified in kedida woreda; whereas there is no dairy cooperative in Kachebra woreda. lack of cooling facilities coupled with lack of electric power supply are the major constraints encountered at the dairy cooperatives. The overall mean fat, protein, total solids, ash and solids-not-fat (SNF) contents of local cows’ milk produced in the study area were 4.71, 3.25, 13.47, 0.73 and 8.78 percent, respectively. Whereas, the overall mean fat, protein, total solids, ash and SNF contents of crossbred cows’ milk were 4.14, 3.45, 13.15, 0.70 and 8.96 percent, respectively. The overall mean total bacterial count, coliform count and percent lactic acid of milk produced in the study area were 7.58±0.09 log10 cfu/ml, 4.49±0.11 log10 cfu/ml and 0.23%±0.01, respectively. The overall mean of the predicted probabilities of clot-on-boiling and alcohol tests were 0.23±0.12 and 0.51±0.11, respectively. the microbiological quality of milk produced by individual farmers and by the dairy cooperatives in the study area was poor and this call for scrupulous hygienic measures during production and handling of milk and milk products in the study area.

Assessment of Hygienic Milking Practices and Prevalence of Bovine Mastitis in Small Dairy Farms of Peri-Urban Area of Jaipur.

Background:Bovine mastitis is a highly prevalent infectious disease that affects the production and quality of the milk and results in culling of the cattle, leading to severe economic loss. In India, a large number of smallholder urban dairy farmers are in milk production. However, information on their awareness on milk-borne zoonosis and milking hygiene practices remains scarce.Aim:The study aimed to evaluate milk hygiene awareness and practices among the small dairy farms in the peri-urban area of Jaipur.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 dairy farms. A total of 80 respondents including the farmers (suppliers), distributors, and customers were surveyed. They were interviewed about their milk hygiene practices and awareness on mastitis using questionnaires and observations. Milk samples were analyzed for somatic cell count.Results:The results of the study showed that all respondents practiced hand milking. Only 80% of the respondents washed udder before milking. Tap water was used for washing utensils. Only 2% of the respondents practice postmilking dipping of teats. Nearly 90% of barns were not cleaned properly.Conclusions:Hygiene practices are of substandard among the suppliers and the distributors. There is a risk of prevalence of bovine mastitis. This indicates that there is a lack of awareness about the risk associated with bovine mastitis and management. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen farmers’ awareness on milking hygiene practices and handling of milk, to minimize the likely losses due to rejection of spoiled milk and milk-borne dangers, which may occur due to consumption of contaminated milk.

Intervention On The Knowledge Of Food Hygiene Among Child Caregivers In Ogun State Nigeria

AbstractInsufficient knowledge and improper food handling practices by child caregivers contribute greatly to food borne illnesses among children. Training and certificate programs which can translate into good practice have been found to improve the overall food handling behaviors of the caregivers. Thus the need to intervene on the poorly identified knowledge of food safety among child caregivers in Ogun state, Nigeria. One hundred and seventy (170) child caregivers between the ages 18 to 35years living in Ijebu-Ode Local Government area of Ogun State were involved in the study. These caregivers were initially identified to poor knowledge of food safety and practice in the study area. Informed consent were obtained from the Head of Child Caregivers Centres (CCC) and the caregivers themselves before the commencement of the program. One week intervention program in form of training was then organized for the concerned caregivers. A validated semi structured food safety knowledge (FSK) questionnaires were re-administered to the same food handlers after the training. Scores above 15 were categorized as adequate knowledge while those below 15 were categorized as poor knowledge. Numerical data were analysed using mean, standard deviation while t-test was used to test hypotheses. All the respondents were female (100%) and majority (43.6%) had secondary education. Respondents gained knowledge on the followings after the training: hand washing, procedure for feeding babies, cleaning of utensils and disinfection, handling of breast milk, formula feeding, diapering and general cleaning of the environment with mean scores of 18.25 ± 3.5, 20.18 ± 4.30, 16.38. ± 8.35, 25.68 ± .9.00, 15.79 ± 3.25, 30.00 ± 6.33 and 19.20 ± 4.00 respectively. knowledge of food safety among child caregivers significantly increased after the intervention exercise. Training and other forms of interventions on knowledge of food safety should be organized regularly for child caregivers

Cytomegalovirus dynamics model with random behavior

In view of the particularity of cytomegalovirus infection in infants and considering the uncertainty of infection mode and treatment, a dynamic model of cytomegalovirus with random behavior is established in this paper. The existence and uniqueness of the solution of the model are proved. Sufficient conditions for the existence of asymptotic, ergodic and extinctive solutions are provided. By using numerical simulation, the influence of uncertainty in breast milk handling and treatment on the variation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) are analyzed, which provides theoretical support for the strategy of preventing infant infection and the basis treatment.

Handling Practices of Raw Cowandrsquo;s Milk and Major Constraints of Clean Milk Production in and around Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

The consumption of raw cow’s milk and its derivatives is common in Ethiopia, which is not safe from consumer health point of view as it may lead to the transmission of various diseases. The milk handling practices and different constraints that affect milk quality in different production systems were identified to take corrective measures. The data were collected from 212 respondents randomly selected respondents. Descriptive statistics was employed to summarize raw milk handling practice, hygienic quality of equipment. Pair-wise ranking technique was used to identify and prioritize the major milk quality related constraints. The result of the study revealed that, the milking methods of dairy farmers was hand milking with milking frequency of twice (90.1%) and once (9.9%) a day. On the other hand, only 28.3% of households were found practicing cleaning of the milking barn. There was statistically significant difference between milk producers who wash their hands before milking (85.8%) than that of milk producers who do not wash (14.2%) their hand before milking. Besides, this study revealed that, only 36%, and 23.1% of dairy producers washed udder and teat in urban and peri-urban production systems, respectively. Majority (85.9%) of milk producers weren’t practicing drying udder and teats after washing whereas, only 14.1% milk producers were practicing to dry udder and teats with individual towel (4.7%) and common towel (9.4%). Significant number of milk producers (47.8%) and (68.8%) used gourds as milk storage equipment in peri-urban and rural area, respectively while plastic container was dominant (84%) in urban production system. In this study, it was observed that lack of potable water as a major bottle neck that hampered milk quality (index=0.167), followed by lack of knowledge (index=0.153), poor hygienic condition (index=0.116) and absence of quality based payment system (index=0.11). Generally the hygienic practice during milk production in the study area was poor and milk handling practices were also vulnerable for contamination. Moreover, traditional milking container (Kell) and storage utensils (Kabo) were dominantly used in the area.

Microbial and Chemical Adulterants Assessment of Raw Cow Milk Collected from Dairy Farms of Hlabisa Villages, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Background: Milk is one of the most nutritious foods providing a variety of proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins needed to maintain, grow, and develop the body. The aim of this study was to assess microbial and chemical adulterants of raw cow milk collected from dairy farms of Hlabisa villages, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Methods: A total of 68 raw cow milk samples were obtained from teats sampling points, milking buckets, and communal pooling buckets. The bacteriological analysis was conducted for the detection of various bacteria in milk samples. Biochemical tests were also done to detect some chemical adulterants in milk samples. Results: Total bacterial count of teats, milking buckets, and communal milk pooling buckets were 6.91, 6.06, and 6.06 log Colony Forming Unit (CFU)/ml, respectively. The most found chemical adulterant was urea detected in 23 out of 68 (33.8%) samples, followed by hydrogen peroxide showed in 22 out of 68 (32.3%) samples. However, none of the samples were contaminated with formalin, starch, and neutralizer. Conclusion: The present study revealed high microbial contamination of raw cow milk produced by rural small-scale dairy farmers of Hlabisa villages, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, indicating the lack of standard operating sanitation. It was also stated that raw milk samples contained various types of chemical adulterants that may lead to severe health problems. Good hygiene practices must be adopted by small-scale dairy farmers at every stage of their milk handling and processing.

Differences in Current Procedures for Handling of Expressed Mother's Milk in Danish Neonatal Care Units.

Mother's own milk (MOM) is preferred when feeding preterm infants. When expressed mother's milk is stored and handled, there is a risk of bacterial contamination, decreased immunological activity, and less nutritional potential. The aim of this study was to investigate current routines when handling MOM in Danish neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). A survey was sent to all 17 NICUs in Denmark in which current practices regarding human milk handling, storage, and preparation were evaluated. Furthermore, one question sought to establish when mother's milk was believed to be colostrum. Respondents of the survey were neonatal nurses. All 17 units responded to the survey. Only 5 of 17 units answered that human colostrum was defined as milk from the first week after birth. Refrigerator storage time varied between 24 and 72 hours. In 6 of 17 units, parents were in charge of mixing milk and fortifier. Heating of human milk was done by using microwave ovens in 4 of 17 of the units. This national survey established that there is significant variability in the way mother's milk is handled. Some of the procedures performed may affect the quality of the milk. It is important to implement evidence-based practice regarding storage and handling of expressed mother's milk to ensure that the quality of the milk is the best possible alternative for all preterm infants. Prospective studies are needed to examine the association between handling of human milk and changes in composition and nutritional potential of the milk.

English

This study was conducted to assess raw milk bacterial loads and micro-organisms associated with milk handling practices and raw milk chain in the North-western region of Rwanda. A multistage sampling method was used to collect sixty-seven raw milk samples that were analyzed for milk quality at four stages of the raw milk chain: dairy farmers, milk hawkers, milk collection centres (MCC) and milk kiosks. Total bacterial counts (TBC) at different stages of the chain were determined and microorganisms were isolated. A questionnaire was distributed to gather information on factors and milk handling practices that influence milk quality at farm level. The study revealed a TBC mean values of 1.2 &times; 106 CFU/ml (dairy farmers), 2.6 &times; 107 CFU/ml (milk hawkers), 1.5 &times; 106 CFU/ml (MCC) and 6.9 &times; 106 CFU/ml (kiosks/restaurants). The prevalent micro-organisms were: Escherichia coli (E. coli), 26.9%; Salmonella spp., 16.4%; Streptococcus spp., 16.4%; coagulase- negative staphylococci (CNS), 14.9%. Bacterial load was highly associated with containers used for milk transport, cleaning time of milk containers and source of water used to clean containers. It is, therefore, highly recommended that all concerned parties in the raw milk value chain improve their milk handling and storage practices. &nbsp; Key words: Bacterial contamination, milk handling, milk quality, north-western Rwanda, raw milk. &nbsp

Assessment of Postharvest Losses of Dairy Products in Dawuro Zone and Konta Special Woreda of SNNPR

This study was conducted in Dawuro zone and Konta special woreda of SNNPR to assess the existing dairy cattle production, milk handling, and processing practices. A total of eighty respondents were purposefully selected and interviewed for obtaining general information such as dairy cattle production, milk handling, and processing practices, traditional milk processing equipment through structured questionnaire. Dairy cattle production system, local breeds were more dominant than cross breeds in both study areas. The higher numbers of both breeds were observed in Tocha woreda than that of Konta special woreda. The dairy animal performance assessment shows that the average lactation length and milk yield of local cows were lower than that of crossbred in both study areas. Labor division among family members concerning dairying activities such as milking, milk processing, and milk marketing were dominantly done by women rather than men in both study areas. Commonly and widely used for milk handling traditional utensils in the study areas were calabash and plastic materials. Few dairy farmers were using a small clay pot for milking purpose. Milk processing methods are a predominantly traditional type, and they use traditional milk processing materials. So, farmers in both study areas are highly encouraged in for cross bred. Further work should be done in improved milk processing materials in both study areas.

PIH50 MODERN APPROACH TO CREATION OF DONOR BREAST MILK BANKS IN UKRAINE

Breast milk is the number one choice for feeding newborns, first of all, born prematurely, infants with very small and extremely low body weight, as well as other high-risk newborns. In the absence of maternal milk, its lack or the presence of contraindications to breastfeeding, DBM has an undoubted advantage over the powdered baby milk. Safe feeding of DBM can be provided only by the creation of breast milk banks (terminals). A multidisciplinary working group performed a systematic search of clinical guidelines, including at G-I-N. The prototype is based on NICE CG Guidelines for use of human milk and milk handling in Sweden 2011. To clarify certain statements, the following sources were used: NICE. Donor milk banks: service operation. Clinical guideline. 2010; Best practice guidelines for the operation of a donor human milk bank in an Australian NICU. 2007; For The Infant And Young Child Feeding Chapter. Ketan Bharadva et al.; Indian Academy Of Pediatrics. Indian Pediatrics, 2014. The synthesis of CG was carried out by a multidisciplinary working group. A public discussion of the draft clinical guidelines was held. The CG includes systematized provisions regarding the principles and organization of the banks of the DBM, recommendations for the collection, processing, delivery of DBM, the feeding of infants requiring it, and the provision and quality control and safety of DBMs, which are in line with the principles declared by the European Association of Milk Banks (EMBA). Potential users of this CG may be neonatologists, obstetricians, gynecologists, pediatricians, family doctors, nurses, parents/carer of children, and health policymakers. Adaptation of the clinical guidelines to the conditions of the public health system and informed decision of the multidisciplinary working group allowed to develop a document that substantiates the basic principles for the establishment of DBM banks in Ukraine that meet modern world standards.

Sustainability of technological dimension in dairy agribusiness

This study aims to analyze sustainability index and status of technological dimension in dairy agribusiness in Batu City. Research methods applied were analysis Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) analysis, termed Rapuse, and Descriptive analysis. Study result was expressed in sustainability index and status. Moreover, to examine attributes sensitively affected sustainability index and status also the effect of error, analysis of Leverage and Monte Carlo was performed, followed with descriptive analysis. Data were obtained from key respondent and field observation. Four villages from three sub-districts in Batu City were purposively selected as research site, namely Village of Pesanggrahan, Tlekung, Oro-oro Ombo and Gunungsari. Sustainability analysis resulted in technological dimension of 60.40 or moderately sustainable condition and three leverage factors of AI breeding, adlibitum water application, and chopper use. Other factors in technological dimension should be taken care immediately since they sensitively have an effect on the increasing sustainability index and status with small error at confidence level of 95%. Factors included biogas installation, provision of dry concentrate, fresh milk handling, and cage cleanliness should be improved to increase sustainability index of technological dimension through role and support improvement of stakeholder consisted of milk cooperation, IPS, government institution related, and cattle farmers.

‘Dairying Is a White Man’s Industry’: The Dairy Produce Act and the Segregation Debate in Colonial Zimbabwe, c.1920–1937

This article explores white-settler notions of hygiene and debates over the subaltern body, by using dairy farming in colonial Zimbabwe (Southern Rhodesia) in the 1920s and 1930s as a lens through which to look into the bio-politics of farming and its effects on the political economy of race and accumulation. Dairy farming is a highly specialised industry: it requires comparatively more capital, organisation and expertise than most agricultural enterprises. Owing to its highly perishable nature, the handling and processing of milk requires specialised care and transport. The system is stacked against new entrants and independent producers. Moreover, in Zimbabwe during the 1920s and 1930s, the 1925 Dairy Produce Act, predicated on the ‘unsuitability’ of Africans for commercial dairy farming and the pathologising of black bodies, was part of a strategy to bar black African producers from the dairy market. Yet, despite the inherent precariousness of the industry and the socio-economic system designed to discriminate against indigenous African agricultural enterprise, black dairying met with surprising success in the early years of the industry. However, for both white and African farmers, there was a terrible cost to the state’s institutionalised racism: crude production methods among white dairy farmers and the efforts to keep African producers out meant that the industry struggled to break into the international market until the late 1930s.

Education is Key for Increasing Breastfeeding Duration Among Working Mothers

IntroductionFederal law mandates protections for time and a private place for pumping. However, mothers continue to express feelings of guilt explaining how the return to work ended their breastfeeding journey. Nationwide, there is a significant drop in exclusive breastfeeding rates at the 3- and 6-month marker, which coincides with the return to employment.MethodMothers attended a “Working Moms' Breastfeeding Class,” a hybrid taught by lactation consultants mixed with the peer-to-peer conversation.ResultsAfter attending the class, mothers reported an increase in knowledge concerning the law, pumping, breast milk handling, and childcare feeding practices.DiscussionEducating mothers at the time of their transition back into the workforce is key to increasing maternal self-efficacy to meet their breastfeeding goals.

The Epidemiology of Zoonotic Brucellosis in Bahr el Ghazal Region of South Sudan

Background: In this study, we focused on three zoonotic brucellosis risk groups; abattoir workers, febrile cases at Wau hospital and cattle herders, in Bahr el Ghazal region, South Sudan. Competitive c-ELISA was used to detect anti-Brucella antibodies in 725 individuals between December 2015 and May 2016. In addition, questionnaire metadata, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to characterize the epidemiology of zoonotic brucellosis in this region.Results: Overall, we estimate 27.2 % (95% CI = 23.9–30.6) brucellosis sero-prevalence; 32.1% (95% CI = 26.2–38.4), 23.0% (95% CI = 19.1–27.4) and 34.6% (95% CI = 24.4–46.3) among abattoir workers, febrile cases, and herders, respectively. Marital status (Single, OR = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.36–0.91, P = 0.02) and ethnicity (Kerash OR = 6.01, 95%CI: 1.97–21.10, P = 0.003 and Balanda, OR = 3.78, 95%CI: 1.42–12.02, P = 0.01) were associated with brucellosis. While gender and ethnicity were important factors for general awareness of zoonotic diseases. Highly ranked occupations at risk included veterinarian, butchers and milk handlers. We also identified covariate patterns for clinical diagnostics and public health interventions.Conclusion: We report the highest sero-prevalence of zoonotic brucellosis in three risk groups in the East African region. All this is not only occurring in a population with limited awareness that brucellosis is a zoonotic disease but also where one in nine health workers tested was sero-positive. We identified social demographic associations with brucellosis, however, the qualitative analysis suggests these are more complex and nuanced. Therefore, future studies could benefit from the use of the mixed methods approach to add extensiveness and depth to our understanding of zoonotic disease drivers, in order to implement mitigating measures such as cattle vaccination.

HYGIENIC PRACTICES AND BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF MILK: A REVIEW

Anyone dealing with raw milk on a day-to-day basis knows very well how quickly it becomes sour when it is stored for long periods at high ambient temperatures prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries. This is because the inherent lactic acid bacteria and contaminating microorganisms from storage vessels or the environment break down the lactose in milk into lactic acid. When sufficient lactic acid has accumulated, the milk becomes sour and coagulates, much like when you add sufficient lemon juice to fresh milk. Raw milk that contains too much lactic acid, even if it does not appear to be curdled, will coagulate when heated. So far, many pathogenic microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp., and Candida sp., have been reported as the causal agents of food-borne diseases and/or food spoilage. Contamination of raw and/or processed foods usually occurs during the production, sale, and distribution of the foods. Therefore, the objective of this review paper was to investigate hygienic practices and bacteriological quality of milk. In order to produce good quality dairy, establishment of standards, use of effective enforcement, education of dairy personnel’s and farmers on various aspects of milk hygiene and handling technique is important.

Bacteria in the milk of sheep with or without mastitis- mini Review

From a nutritional point of view, sheep milk is more valuable than cow and goat milk and the interest for sheep milk is increasing in many countries. However, sheep milk is easily contaminated during milking, handling, and transport and it is an ideal medium for bacterial propagation. Consequently, sheep milk spoils quite quickly. The proper, clean handling of milk is not only of sanitarian interest, but it also serves the farmers’ interests, because contaminated milk may not be distributed, and is unsuitable for producing good quality products. Following this technological trend, this review addresses the bacterial composition of sheep milk with and without mastitis. Even though sheep milk contains a lot of bacteria, this review article highlighted total plate count, Enterobacteriaceae, coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter, Salmonella spp. and Streptococcus spp. Mastitis in sheep is a vital cause of mortality, reduction in milk production and early culling. The reported risk factors for mastitis in sheep were age, a case of mastitis, breed, husbandry systems, and location. The main priority should be implementation of programs to minimize human pathogenic bacteria and mastitis in raw ewe milk.

Milk Production, Marketing and Quality in Meta District of Eastern Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Meta District of Eastern Hararge Zone Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia with the objective to assess milk production and marketing, and to determine chemical composition and microbial quality of raw cow milk. Three Rural Kebeles (RK) namely, Biftu Ganama, Oda Chafe and Waligalte Bali&amp;rsquo;na were purposively selected based on dairy production potential and accessibility. A total of 132 respondents were randomly selected from farmers (122), consumers (6) and milk collection centers (4). Interview was made using semi-structured questionnaire to collect data on milk production, constraints, marketing, milk handling practices and utensils used as milk container. The result of the study indicated that, average daily milk production, milk for marketing and consumption were 1.96&amp;plusmn;0.517 litters/day/cow, 68.9% and 31.1%, respectively. Majority of the respondents ranked feed shortage as the first constraint. Hand milking after calf suckling was practiced by all the farmers. Most of the respondents (56.6%) used a gourd container locally called &amp;ldquo;qabe&amp;rdquo; for milking, and plastic jerry can (81.96%) for milk delivery to milk collection centers. Significantly higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) figures were recorded for fat, protein, total solids, solids-not-fat and lactose contents at producers level than the consumers and collection centers. Total bacterial count (TBC), coliform count (CC) and yeast and mould count (YMC) of milk samples from milk collection centers were significantly higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than milk samples from consumers and producers and did not meet quality standards set by Quality Standard Authority of Ethiopia. Therefore, we can concluded that the chemical composition of milk was satisfactory compared to the standard level, whereas the microbial quality of the milk was poor that suggests the need for better sanitary practices of milking environment and milk utensils.

Recommendations for the Establishment and Operation of Human Milk Banks in Europe: A Consensus Statement From the European Milk Bank Association (EMBA).

Objectives: To develop recommendations from the European Milk Bank Association (EMBA) for the establishment and operation of human milk banks (HMB) in Europe.Method: A working group comprising members of the EMBA was convened in 2015 to develop Europe-wide recommendations for milk banks. Each member had experience of guideline development and/or milk banking operations. An initial survey was agreed using collated published global recommendations. A total of 108 potential recommendations were included in the survey; responders noted which were included in their national guidelines. The responses were collated, compared, and discussed and the group determined where there was consensus and where substantial or minor differences were identified. Where there was consensus or robust published evidence on which to base recommendations these were included. When there was no consensus and no clear evidence base, a statement of explanation based on collective expert opinion was agreed.Results: Published, internationally available guidelines with recommendations for human milk banks from France, Italy, and the UK, together with guidelines from Austria, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland were included as source materials. These covered: General recommendations; Donor recruitment and screening; Expression, handling, and storage of donor human milk (DHM); Pooling of DHM; Milk screening; Milk treatment (pasteurization); Delivery of DHM to recipients.Conclusions: Evidence based recommendations and consensus statements from the EMBA will now be published on the EMBA website to assist in the safe establishment and operation of HMBs throughout Europe. These have also been used to inform the chapter on human milk to be included in the 2019 edition of the Guide to the quality and safety of tissues and cells for human application, published by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM).

Milk handling practices and consumption behavior among Borana pastoralists in southern Ethiopia

BackgroundSafety and wholesomeness of milk intended for human consumption are influenced by various interlinked factors. However, information on what these factors are, especially in the pastoral traditional communities of Ethiopia, is largely lacking. The objective of this study is to assess the hygienic milk production, processing and consumption practices, and behaviors of Borana pastoralists.MethodsThe study used qualitative participatory research methods. Individual semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, informal discussions, and observations were carried out on (1) milk handling practices, (2) perceptions of quality and safety of milk, including perceived criteria for good milk, (3) awareness of milk-borne diseases, and (4) perception towards milk boiling practices. The interviews and discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by identifying themes.ResultsSome risky behaviors related to milk handling and consumption were identified. These include unhygienic conditions in handling milk and milk products, consumption behaviors such as consuming raw milk purchased from markets, and children directly consuming milk from the udder of animals (e.g., goats). There was a very strong reluctance to boil milk before consumption mainly because of the misconception that nutrients in the milk are destroyed when milk is boiled and “boiled milk is dead”. On the other hand, potential risk mitigation practices were identified such as smoking of milk containers (which may help reduce microbial growth), processing milk through fermentation, consuming milk in boiled tea, and a recent trend towards boiling milk for babies. However, the latter was not motivated by concern over microbial hazards but the belief that raw milk could form curds in children’s stomach which might then suffocate them.ConclusionThe findings highlight the need to promote hygienic handling practices of milk and closely engage with local communities to improve their understanding of milk safety to facilitate change in practices. Educating pastoralists on good milk production practices should be given priority. One of the ways to do this could be by strengthening the integration of milk hygiene in research and development programs as an entry point for behavioral change towards the safe handling and consumption of milk and milk products.