Evaluation of the Microbiological Quality of Raw Cow's Milk Collected at Hahotoé and Kpémé (Southern Togo)

In most African countries south of the Sahara, raw cow's milk is appreciated and consumed without any treatment. In order to assess the microbiological risks associated with consumption of this foodstuff, this study was carried out in Hahotoé and Kpémé, two localities in Southern Togo. The hygienic quality of raw cow's milk was assessed on 20 samples, including 5 samples taken at sale and 5 samples taken at milking in each of the localities considered. Microbiological analyses showed the presence of total coliforms, faecal coliforms, moulds, yeasts and total aerobic mesophilic flora. However, the absence of sulfite-reducing anaerobes was noted in all samples. These results indicate unsatisfactory hygienic quality, due to non-compliance with good hygiene practices. Raw cow's milk consumed in the surveyed localities would therefore constitute a health risk for the population.