Microorganisms under control: Tracking down defects in dairy products

Targeted research priorities

Milk quality

Project summary

Raw milk is an excellent medium for the cultivation of microorganisms (MO), and may contain pathogens or spoilage MO despite the strict hygiene conditions applied in dairy production and processing. These MOs cause defects in dairy products, leading to economic losses and significant wastage. Some strains are more problematic thanks to their ability to form biofilms and resist antimicrobials. Data on these microorganisms is limited, complicating their detection and control.

The project aims to create a documented collection of microorganisms associated with non-compliant or atypical dairy products (PLFC-NC/AT) in Quebec. The research is guided by three objectives: identifying the microorganisms linked to PLFC-NC/AT, characterizing the identified microorganisms, and assessing their sensitivity to heat and disinfectants.

These data will make it possible to link dairy product defects to the microorganisms responsible, and to develop rapid detection methods or more targeted control strategies.

Expected results

In the short term, the project will provide players in the Quebec dairy industry with access to a documented collection of problematic microorganisms. Hosted on an online platform, this database will be a valuable resource for manufacturers and researchers on the detection, control and interactions between these microorganisms, aimed at improving the quality of dairy products.

In the long term, these advances will enable faster identification of problematic microorganisms and the development of targeted, effective inactivation strategies. Subsequent research will also enrich the documented collection to ensure that it is continually updated.

Main achievements

• Training of one postdoctoral fellow in agri-food microbiology, two master’s students in food science and three bachelor’s degree trainees
• Results presented at the Novalait Forum Techno
• Lectures and poster presentations at various scientific symposia and congresses
• Writing scientific articles
• Writing popular articles