In this study, physical, chemical and microbiological properties of 50 raw bulk milk samples obtained from 5 different dairy plants in the Sivas were investigated. The pH, acidity, fat, non-fat dry-matter, total dry matter contents and density of raw milk samples were 4.89-6.70, 0.135-0.495%, 1.7-7.6%, 7.33-9.80%, 10.00-16.90%, and 1.0230-1.0312 g/mL, respectively. Fat content of the 26%, specific gravity of 28%, total dry matter of 32%, solids-non-fat of 58%, pH value of 84% of the milk samples were found lower whereas titratable acidity of 60% of the samples were determined higher than the values stated in the Turkish Food Codex and in the Raw Milk Standard. Total coliform bacteria counts of 30%, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria counts of 88%, and somatic cell counts of 40% of the samples were higher than 1100 MPN/mL, 100000 cfu/mL and 500000 cell/mL, respectively. Yeast-mold counts of 72% of the milk samples were found between 104-106 cfu/mL.

Although the milk’s predominant microflora consists of lactic acid bacteria, it is probable that pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria, Brucella, Mycobacterium, Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Salmonella are also present. Due to the fact that milk contains components with high nutritional value and therefore suitable for the growth of microorganisms, the microorganism populations in the milk can reach to the numbers that can threat human health in a short time. Therefore, it is very important to ensure the microbial safety of the milk before it is consumed. Microfiltration, one of the techniques that can be used for this purpose, physically separates the microorganisms from the milk by passing the milk through the membranes having pores with certain diameters by the effect of pressure. Studies on the microorganism load of milk that microfiltration is used showed that the number of microorganisms in milk generally decreases depending on the working conditions such as pore diameters of the membranes, the initial microorganism load of milk, temperature and pressure. The membranes used in microfiltration technique are chosen according to the purpose. It is known that membranes with a pore diameter of 1,4 µm cause a pasteurization effect and membranes with a pore diameter of 0,2 µm cause a sterilization effect. Therefore, the choice of suitable membrane is very important for microfiltration application. Several studies have been done on the effect of microfiltration on extension of shelf life in drinking milk, the removal of bacterial spores which can withstand high temperatures and can cause milk deterioration of milk, the production of dairy products like cheese without damaging the natural components of milk. These researches are important in terms of providing information on a technique that allows the removal of pathogen microorganisms which cause a risk for public health and can cause food poisoning in case of consumption of raw milk and raw milk cheeses, without any change in the natural structure of milk.

Since coliform bacteria are common both in the intestine and in nature (soil, plant, etc.), they are considered as a sanitation indicator in the food industry. It is known that the majority of bacteria defined as fecal coliform in the coliform group are Escherichia coli. The presence of E. coli or fecal coliform bacteria in any sample is an indication that the necessary hygienic measures are not taken during production, storage, and sale. That means the sample is directly or indirectly contaminated with faeces, and/or other intestinal pathogens may also exist. In this study, raw milk, freshly squeezed fruit juices, unpackaged ice cream, shaved ice, and ice-cold samples were purchased from the famous touristic destination Fethiye and analyzed for coliform bacteria. For this purpose, the samples were purchased from local marketplaces, buffets, cafes, patisseries, restaurants, and roadsides at Fethiye. In total 60 samples were analyzed using Violet Red Bile (VRB) Agar. The results of coliform bacteria ranged

Bu araştırmada Sivas ve yöresinde bulunan 5 süt fabrikasının depo tankından temin edilen 50 adet süt örneğinde ağır metallerden kadmiyum (Cd), bakır (Cu), krom (Cr) ve kurşun (Pb) içerikleri incelenmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda süt örneklerinin Cd, Cu ve Cr içeriklerinin sırasıyla 8,896, 33,69 ve 31,81 µg/kg düzeyinde olduğu saptanmıştır. Süt örneklerin %92’inde Pb miktarının tespit edilebilir limitin altında, %8’inde ise 304,1-503,4 µg/kg olduğu belirlenmiştir.