Microbial risk assessment of dairy products from retail marketplaces in Basrah province, Iraq.

Background: Milk-borne bacteria cause degradation of milk products and constitute a significant risk to public health.

Aim: The objectives of the present study are to determine the microbiological quality of dairy products and to investigate pathogenic microorganisms.

Methods: A total of 60 samples of raw milk, homemade cheese, and yogurt were randomly selected from different retail marketplaces in Basrah.