The use of milk vending machines (MVM) is one of the ways to sell milk. There is practically no accurate data on the amount of milk sold through MVM in Slovenia. In this study, we conducted an anonymous survey of MVM owners based on data from the register of the Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection (UVHVVR). By the end of 2021, 107 MVM were registered in Slovenia. The increase was the highest in 2021, as the number of MVM increased by 8. Most MVM are located in the urban centre, where the frequency of people is high. Despite the growth in the number of MVM, milk sales have stagnated over the past five years. The amount of milk sold annually per MVM ranges from 14,000 to 16,000 litres. On average, weekday milk sales do not differ from weekend sales. The sale of raw milk by MVM also poses a risk to the consumer, as raw milk may contain pathogenic microorganisms harmful to humans. MVM owners are partially aware of these risks. They are aware that milk may contain pathogenic microorganisms and that the hygiene of the barn, the MVM, and the health of the animals are important factors affecting the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in milk. However, they are not aware that despite hygiene, microbiological analysis and vigilance, contamination of milk with pathogenic microorganisms can occur. In fact, the majority of respondents would recommend customers to drink raw milk from MVM.
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