Microbial Quality of Frozen Dairy Foods Available in Retail Outlets of Salem, Tamil Nadu, India

Author: A. Elango, V. Jayalalitha and T.R. Pugazhenthi

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Abstract

The study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of frozen desserts sourced from branded and local manufacturers to ensure consumer safety. One hundred samples (25 ice cream, 25 Kulfi, 25 softy ice cream and 25 milk lollies) were subjected to total plate count, coliform count and presence of pathogens viz., salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus. The mean total plate count for ice cream, kulfi, softy and milk lollies, were 2.52±0.11, 5.32±0.13, 5.51±0.12 and 5.58±1.51 respectively. The coliform and salmonella were negative in branded ice cream samples. Seventeen samples of kulfi, softy ice cream and milk lollies, tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Due to the substandard microbiological quality of frozen dairy products in the research area, it is imperative to implement preventive measures during both the production and post-production phases till consumption to avert foodborne illness. This research emphasizes how important it is to maintain ongoing oversight and adherence to food safety regulations in order to protect the health and safety of consumers. To maintain the standards in frozen desers and safeguard the public's health, constant monitoring and compliance with food safety laws are crucial

Keywords

ice cream, kulfi, milk lollies, softy ice cream, total plate count, salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, coliform

Conclusion

Based on the data presented above, it was found that all of the samples of branded ice cream were within the permissible level of public health safety. This was due to the fact that the samples did not exceed the total viable count of 2,50,000 and the coliform count of 90 per gram, both of which are specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Taking into account the findings as a whole, it is evident that each and every ice cream sample was risk-free. It is also clear that a small number of the kulfi, as well as the bulk of the softy ice cream and milk lollies, were not suitable for ingestion due to the presence of salmonella staphyloccocal organisms

References

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How to cite this article

A. Elango, V. Jayalalitha and T.R. Pugazhenthi (2023). Microbial Quality of Frozen Dairy Foods Available in Retail Outlets of Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(1): 800-802