Estudio exploratorio sobre la presencia de contaminantes en leche cruda proveniente de la cuenca lechera del Tarqui de la sierra sur ecuatoriana

Abstract

The present survey aimed to define the presence of contaminants in the raw milk of ten collection centers, with a reception capacity between 2,000 and 10,000 liters, situated in seven cantons of the Province of Azuay. Ninety samples were collected during three visits to each of the collection centers during the months of July and August 2016. In each sample the presence of antibiotics, hydrogen peroxide and neutralizers was analyzed by means of rapid diagnostic tests accredited in the food safety laboratory of AGROCALIDAD, an official institution of quality control. For the detection of antibiotics, a Trisensor® kit with validated sensitivity, applied worldwide, was used to detect and evaluate the level of three antibiotic families: beta-lactams, sulfonamides and tetracyclines, versus the maximum permissible limits in the Codex Alimentarius. The detection of hydrogen peroxide was performed by Test M-Quant™ measuring a range between 0.5 to 25 mg per liter of milk. The presence of neutralizers was determined by the alizarin method according to NTE NTE INEN 10:2012. 141,500 liters of raw milk were analyzed of which 64.7% were not fit for human consumption for the presence of one or more of the studied substances according to the NTE INEN Standard 9:2012 and the Codex Alimentarius. 13.3% of the samples were positive for beta-lactam antibiotics, but sulfonamides and tetracyclines was not detected. Besides 16.4% of the raw milk was adulterated with hydrogen peroxide and 60% with neutralizers