Bacteriological Quality of Raw Milk Sold in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State

This study assesses the bacteriological quality of raw cow milk sold by street vendors and market traders in Maiduguri metropolis, located in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone. Raw milk consumption without pasteurisation is widespread in Maiduguri and surrounding communities, posing significant public health risks through exposure to zoonotic pathogens and food-borne illness. Using a cross-sectional sampling design, 80 raw milk samples were collected from 40 vendors at four major markets in the metropolis between June and September 2023. Standard microbiological procedures were applied, including total viable count determination, coliform count, and isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes using selective culture media and biochemical characterisation. The results were compared against international standards for raw milk hygiene. Findings revealed that 92 percent of sampled milk exceeded acceptable total viable count limits, with Staphylococcus aureus isolated from 68 percent and Escherichia coli from 57 percent of samples. Listeria monocytogenes was recovered from 12 percent of samples, representing a particularly serious public health risk. Poor milking hygiene, the use of unclean containers, and absence of cold chain management were identified as the primary contamination drivers. Recommendations include the enforcement of milk handling regulations, vendor hygiene training, and the introduction of low-cost pasteurisation units at market level. Keywords: raw milk, bacteriological quality, Maiduguri, food safety, zoonosis.