Low quality and presence of antibiotic residuals in raw milk sold in informal markets from Cañar, Azuay, and Loja-Ecuador
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31989/ffs.v6i3.1907Abstract
Background: Bovine milk is a dietary staple in Ecuador and a major source of income for smallholder farmers. However, milk distributed through informal markets often lacks adequate sanitary control and regulatory oversight, potentially compromising its physicochemical quality and safety.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical quality, nutritional composition, somatic cell counts, and presence of antibiotic residues in raw bovine milk sold through informal markets in the southern Ecuadorian provinces of Azuay, Cañar, and Loja.
Methods: A total of 358 raw milk samples were collected from informal retail points and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, nutritional composition, somatic cell counts, and antibiotic residues using standardized laboratory methods. Results were compared with Ecuadorian regulatory quality standards.
Results: Overall, 96.09% of the samples failed to comply with national quality standards. The highest non-compliance rates were observed for lactose content (72.07%), titratable acidity (68.72%), pH (68.16%), and protein stability (43.3%), suggesting inadequate hygienic practices and probable bacterial contamination. Additionally, 29.89% of samples contained antibiotic residues above permissible limits, with sulfonamides and neomycin being the most frequently detected compounds.
Novelty: This study provides comprehensive and up-to-date evidence on quality deficiencies and antibiotic contamination in raw milk sold through informal markets in southern Ecuador, a sector with limited systematic surveillance data.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of physicochemical non-compliance and antibiotic residues indicates that most raw milk marketed informally in Azuay, Cañar, and Loja is unsuitable for human consumption. These findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen regulatory enforcement, improve hygienic practices at the production and distribution levels, and promote responsible antimicrobial use in dairy systems.
Keywords: raw bovine milk; informal dairy markets; antibiotic residues; sulfonamides; neomycin; somatic cell count; physicochemical quality; Ecuador (Azuay, Cañar, Loja)
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Copyright (c) 2026 Puga-Torres Byron, Aragón Eduardo, Martínez Evelyn Pamela, Ayala Valeria, Caiza María Belén, Luzón Michael, Maiza Marlon, Moncayo Génesis, Pilaguano Lizbeth, Sotomayor Patricia, Vaca Verónica, De la Torre David, Navarrete Hugo, Núñez Luis
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