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Page No. : 23–28

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted in Pondicherry, India, with the objective of identifying bacterial contamination of top milk and its determinants. Top milk samples were randomly collected from 120 households while feeding infants below 2 years of age. Information on different variables related to the quality of top milk was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. The samples were subjected to bacterial quality assessment by standard plate count and detection of coliforms, E. coli, staphylococci, and Salmonella. The results indicated high bacterial contamination of top milk along with coliforms and staphylococci. However, Salmonella was not detected in any sample, and only one sample was positive for E. coli. A significant association was found between bacterial quality and factors such as economic status of the family, handwashing practices, boiling pattern of milk, and feeding methods. No significant association was observed with variables like sex of the child, parity, and educational status of caregivers.

Keywords: Bacterial contamination, Bottle milk, Child-care, Top milk