Survey on the presence of powdered milk and neutralizers in raw and pasteurized milk in Birjand, Iran: Short Communication

Milk is one of the important nutritional sources, and milk adulteration is a serious threat to human health. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of the adulteration of neutralizing agents and powdered milk in raw and pasteurized milk distributed in Birjand, Iran, in 2018. In this descriptive-analytical study, powdered milk and neutralizing agents were examined in 271 milk samples (181 and 90 samples of fresh and pasteurized milk, respectively). The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version: 25). A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The obtained results of the current study showed that none of the studied milk samples had neutralizing agents. Moreover, 17 samples (6.3%) of the studied milk samples were observed to be contaminated with powdered milk. The highest relative distribution of powdered milk was reported for raw milk (n=14). There was a statistically significant relationship between the relative frequency of powdered milk with milk supply location, and season of supply (P<0.05). It seems that the distribution of such manipulated products in the areas of the city that do not have a good economic and social condition and in winter is more prevalent. According to the results of the present study, the existence of an efficient control system and adoption of preventive measures to prevent milk contamination is really essential.