Adoption of food safety measures in smallholder dairy farms in Kenya: Implications for milk safety and public health

Demand for animal-source foods (ASF) is growing globally, and the consumption can improve food and nutrition security. However, there are growing food safety risks associated with milk contamination. Studies assessing food safety measures (FSM) at the farm level are still limited. This study investigated FSM adoption in Kenyan smallholder dairy farms. Data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and a farm survey involving 652 farmers, which considered 11 milking hygiene, 6 milk storage, 6 environmental hygiene, and 7 animal health measures.

The Food Safety Index (FSI) was 51.67%, which reveals average FSM adoption and a good agricultural practices (GAPs) compliance gap that exposes consumers to public health risks. FSM adoption was associated with participation in formal and/or informal milk value chains, socio-economic and demographic factors, knowledge of milk quality standards and regulations, farm biophysical conditions, market dynamics and institutional factors.

There is a need for increasing FSM adoption through improving farmers' knowledge, supporting their access to financial resources, and providing infrastructure and services, including roads, inputs, extension and animal health services. Policymakers should design and implement policies that address specific farmers' needs. There is also a need to provide economic incentives and ensure that the market rewards dairy producers who adopt high levels of FSM that lead to safer milk. Finally, promoting the One Health approach can help farmers address human, environmental and animal health risks, which can reduce food safety risks in dairy value chains.