Evaluation of Good Manufacturing Practices in Small Dairy Plants in Jordan

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the good manufacturing practices (GMPs) in small dairy plants in Jordan. In addition, the microbial product quality was used to assess the quality control practices in the production of concentrated yogurt (Labanah). The study was applied to 40 small dairy plants in the governorates of Irbid and Jerash, north of Jordan. Data were collected using a questionnaire, which consisted of a general information section besides two sections that addressed GMPs and the barriers to implementation of GMPs in the small dairy plants in Jordan. Assessment of GMPs was performed by using a structured questionnaire (checklist) that consisted of four sub-sections that addressed contemplating building, personnel, equipment, and food production. The mean overall score of implementation of GMPs in Irbid was 2.75, meaning that implementation of GMPs was low to moderate, while in Jerash it was 2.14, suggesting a low level of implementation of GMPs. Results showed that poor infrastructure and lack of financial resources were the most prominent obstacles to implementation of GMPs in the sample dairy plants in both governorates. The mean total counts of bacteria in the Labanah samples collected from the 40 dairy plants were 4.36 and 6.8 log₁₀ cfu/mL, respectively. All the Labanah samples showed negative results of salmonella and staphyllocccus. Contamination of the Labanah samples with yeast and molds, and coliform bacteria was an indicator of insufficient hygienic practices. Implementation of the food safety practices by the dairy producers is necessary.

Keywords: Food safety, Labanah, Microbiological quality.

DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/84-05