Evaluación higiénico sanitaria en el Centro de acopio de leche cruda CA.1 ubicado en el cantón Mocha provincia de Tungurahua.

Abstract

Sanitary hygienic evaluation in the raw milk collection center CA. 1 of the canton Mocha province of Tungurahua, was conducted by triplicate studies for three consecutive weeks which allowed to identify the level of compliance with the Good Hygiene Practices based on the parameters established in the Manual of Procedures for the Surveillance and Control of the Raw milk safety. Physical-chemical and microbiological analyzes of the raw milk, live and inert surfaces and air were carried out in the storage, reception and laboratory areas. The Good Hygiene Practices in the collection center complied with 21 points of the 27 established criteria, demonstrating an execution of 26%, while the criteria for the transport of milk were fulfilled by 50%. The mesophilic aerobes in the raw milk of route No 1 reach a maximum of 8.14 ± 0.43 log CFU / mL. In the storage tank, the microbial load was 6.62 ± 0.09 log CFU / mL and in the hose 6.61 ± 0.01 log CFU / cm2. Staphylococcus aureus presented the highest level in the milk of the route No 4 (7.20 ± 0.65 log CFU / mL) but in the silo, its level was 5.74 ± 0.27 log CFU / mL and the hose threw 5.58 ± 0.16 log CFU / cm2. The physico-chemical characteristics: fat, proteins, total solids, and non-fat solids fulfill the criteria of the Ecuadorian regulations. In conclusion, the collection center CA.1 does not comply with the established microbiological parameters due to incorrect hygiene practices in the transport and storage of raw milk, being necessary to raise awareness among operators about the importance of compliance with quality and safety requirements in the collection, storage, and distribution of this product.