Assessment of Milk Quality and Safety Practices in Commercial Dairy Farms: Findings from West Arsi and Sidama Regions, Ethiopia

Milk quality and safety are fundamental for a sustainable and resilient dairy sector, as they directly affect public health, human nutrition and economic development. In Ethiopia, dairy production plays a crucial role in supporting household incomes, generating employment, and contributing to national food security, particularly among small- and medium-scale producers who supply urban and peri-urban markets. The sector has experienced steady growth in recent years due to increasing consumer demand for milk and dairy products, yet significant challenges persist that limit its full potential. Many commercial and semi-commercial dairy farms operate without standardized quality assurance systems, reliable cold-chain infrastructure or consistent hygiene monitoring practices. These limitations create vulnerabilities across the production and supply chain, increasing the likelihood of microbial contamination, milk spoilage and the transmission of zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Such risks not only endanger consumer health but can also undermine confidence in local dairy products and constrain access to higher-value markets. Improving milk quality and safety requires a multi-faceted approach, including the adoption of Good Dairy Practices, effective farm-level hygiene management, regular quality testing and strengthened regulatory enforcement. Enhancing cold-chain logistics, farm management practices, and staff training is equally critical to minimizing contamination risks. Addressing these gaps is essential not only for protecting public health but also for increasing the competitiveness of the Ethiopian dairy value chain and ensuring alignment with international quality and biosafety standards. Ultimately, prioritizing milk quality and safety will support the long-term sustainability, resilience, and growth of Ethiopia’s dairy sector, benefiting producers, consumers and the broader economy.