Situation and Cold-Chain System Management of Milk-School Quality in Phatthalung Province

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed-method research was to explore the situation and coldchain system of milk-school quality. The samples were 382 teachers and 27 representatives of teachers, transport agents, and local government officers. The data were collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews from October 2019 to July 2020. The results showed that problems of milk-school quality of pasteurized and UHT milk were found as follows; pasteurized milk was packaging (37.7%), physical characteristics of milk (4.7%), exceeded temperature of milk (3.7%), and expired date of milk (2.7%); UHT milk was packaging (8.7%), physical characteristics of milk (2.7%), and expired date of milk (2.1%). In addition, it showed that pasteurized milk bags were flatted and leaked and had unclear milk labels. The boxes of UHT milk were dented and had a sour smell. Regarding the cold-chain system, there were lacking documentation (Pasteurized at 35.3%, UHT at 31.1%), no recording of receiving (Pasteurized at 15.9%, UHT at 21.2%), incorrectly placing the containers (UHT at 8.11%), not controlling the immediate intake of milk (17.8%). The risk of management was not bringing milk products at home (16.8%). Moreover, problems of milk transportation were found such as; communication, duration of transportation, rest of transportation, and non-standardized vehicles. The problems of schools were as follows; lack of time and understanding among teachers. Therefore, the management approaches should promote knowledge, cooperation, and monitor the quality of milk school.