MILKING HYGIENE AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL QUALITY OF MILK

Abstract

The present study consists of a narrative literature review that analyzes the relationship between milking hygiene and the physicochemical and microbiological quality of bovine milk. This study was based on the analysis of scientific publications indexed in the PubMed database, selecting articles published between 2021 and 2023, using descriptors related to milking hygiene and physicochemical quality. The results demonstrate that the implementation of control systems, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), positively impacts milk quality, increasing physicochemical compliance to 78% in the evaluated units. In contrast, a direct correlation was observed between sanitary deficiencies (inadequate cleaning of udders and milking equipment) and the increase in coliform load and pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes, compromising food safety and the processing of dairy products. It is inferred that, to ensure industrial quality and mitigate public health risks, the adoption of good farm management practices, strict equipment hygiene, and control technologies in dairy product processing is essential.