Milk and meat safety in Nepal: addressing challenges and exploring solutions

The transmission of zoonotic diseases through animal-derived food products poses a significant global public health challenge, with contaminated milk and meat serving as major transmission pathways. In Nepal, the growing consumption of these products has amplified the risk of foodborne illnesses, largely due to widespread bacterial contamination. This review systematically explores the prevalence, distribution, and public health significance of key bacterial pathogens, including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, Brucella, Bacillus cereus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Campylobacter in Nepalese milk and meat products. The analysis identifies major contributing factors: inadequate hygiene and sanitation practices, weak regulatory frameworks, insufficient infrastructure, improper antibiotic usage, and limited public awareness. The high levels of bacterial contamination, coupled with the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, underscore the urgency for strategic interventions. Recommended measures include strict enforcement of hygiene and sanitation standards, strengthening regulatory policies, enhancing infrastructure, comprehensive public education campaigns, and prudent antibiotic stewardship. Implementation of these strategies is imperative to improve food safety, protect public health, and mitigate the risks posed by bacterial zoonotic diseases in Nepal.