Detection of E.coli and Staphylococcus in Milk and Milk Products in and around Pantnagar

The study was designed with the aim to isolate Staphylococcus and E.coli from milk (dairy farm, vendors and house) and milk products (viz; Dahi, Ice cream, Gulabjamun, Burfi, Khoa and Butter). All samples were inoculated on different bacteriological media and various biochemical tests were performed for the confirmation of isolates. The result of the present study revealed that out of 135 samples, 25 samples were found contaminated with Staphylococcus (14) and E.coli (11). The highest rate of contamination was recorded in Burfi (5) while the lowest was recorded in Ice cream (1). These enteropathogenic bacteria may cause problems due to improper handling and processing of milk and milk products. These organisms are significant from public health point of view as they have been associated with the onset of food poisoning in human beings