Proposal by Bless Laboratory
To: International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Addis Ababa
Subject: Proposal for “Assessment of Milk Safety, Addis Ababa”
Date:_______________________
1. Cover Letter
[On Bless Laboratory letterhead]
Dear Selection Committee,
Bless Laboratory is pleased to submit this proposal in response to IFPRI’s call
for proposals “Assessment of Milk Safety, Addis Ababa”. With our proven
expertise in food safety, microbiology, and analytical chemistry, combined
with strong field sampling and data collection capability, we are well-
positioned to deliver high‐quality, actionable evidence on milk safety in Addis
Ababa.
We believe our approach will provide robust, reliable insights on milk
composition, microbial quality, risks of contamination, and how these relate
to supply chains, retail channels, and pricing. We propose to carry out the
full scope of work as outlined, within the three‐month timeline.
We look forward to the opportunity to work with IFPRI on this important
assessment.
Sincerely,
Birhan Awoke
Bless Laboratory
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2. Technical Proposal
2.1 Background & Rationale
Milk is both nutritionally vital and a potential vector for foodborne
pathogens if not handled properly.
Previous IFPRI work (2018) showed variation in safety across retail
outlets. Since then, several changes have occurred in supply chains,
regulation, and consumer demand which may affect milk safety.
Updated evidence is necessary to inform policy, regulatory
enforcement, and interventions to reduce health risks and ensure fair
pricing reflecting quality.
2.2 Objectives
1. Assess the composition and microbial quality of both pasteurized
and non‐pasteurized milk sold in Addis Ababa retail outlets.
2. Evaluate milk safety risks, including contamination by relevant
microorganisms.
3. Compare formal versus informal distribution channels to
understand differences in safety, quality, and pricing.
4. Provide updated insights into how safety/quality are reflected in
market prices and conditions.
2.3 Scope & Methodology
1. Sampling and Data Collection
o Sample size: approx. 50 pasteurized milk samples + 50 non‐
pasteurized milk samples from retail outlets.
o Sampling strategy: revisit a subsample of the outlets from 2018
to enable comparison, plus additional outlets if needed to
capture informal/formal mix.
o Timing: purchases staggered over different days and times to
capture variability (batch‐to‐batch, time of day).
o Accompany each sample with short questionnaire to capture:
Retail outlet type (formal/informal),
Storage/refrigeration status,
Container types and handling,
Transportation methods,
Price paid by consumer,
Supply chain source.
2. Laboratory Analysis
o Composition tests: fat, protein, ash, total solids, solids‐not‐fat.
o Microbial & safety indicators: total aerobic plate counts,
coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella, E. coli.
o Quality control: follow standard protocols (e.g. ISO / AOAC),
include blanks, duplicates, positive and negative controls; ensure
chain of custody.
3. Data Analysis
o Compare microbial and compositional indicators across types of
milk (pasteurized vs non‐pasteurized), supply/informal vs formal
channels.
o Statistical analysis to test differences; correlation/regression
analysis to assess whether observed safety/quality correlates
with price and with handling/storage practices.
o Map risk points along the supply chain.
4. Reporting & Dissemination
o Deliverables: Interim report (after data collection and lab
results), final report with full analysis, policy brief summarizing
key findings and recommendations.
o Presentation of findings to stakeholders (IFPRI, regulatory bodies,
dairy industry, consumer associations).
2.4 Team & Organizational Capacity
Team Lead: [Name]; PhD / MSc in Food Microbiology / Dairy Science;
experience leading similar food safety / milk quality studies.
Lab Analysts: Skilled microbiologists and chemists with experience in
the required assays.
Field / Sampling Team: Experienced in retail sampling in Addis
Ababa; ability to access both formal and informal outlets.
Data Analyst / Statistician: To manage data cleaning, statistical
modeling, report writing.
Bless Laboratory has [xx] years of experience in food safety testing,
certified lab facilities, strong internal quality assurance, and capacity
to manage grants and budgets transparently.
2.5 Timeline
Duratio
Phase Activities
n
Finalizing sampling plan, procurement of kits ~2
Preparation
& reagents, training field & lab staff weeks
Field Sampling & Purchasing milk samples, administering ~3
Data Collection questionnaires weeks
Composition and microbial testing; QC ~4
Laboratory Analysis
procedures weeks
Data Analysis & Data cleaning, analysis, drafting reports and ~2
Report Writing policy brief weeks
Stakeholder Presentations, feedback incorporation, final ~1
Dissemination submission week
Total: 3 months
2.6 Monitoring & Risk Management
Risks: sample spoilage, lab delays, accessing informal outlets.
Mitigation: maintain cold chain during sample transport; buffer time in
laboratory schedule; leverage local networks to access informal
markets; have backup reagent suppliers.
3. Budget Estimate
Below is a preliminary budget (ETB). Actuals will be refined, but this gives
IFPRI an idea of costs.
Cost
Budget Line Notes
(ETB)
Personnel (Team lead, field team, lab
___ ___
analysts, statistician)
Field sampling costs (transport,
___ ___
materials, sample purchase)
Laboratory reagents, consumables,
___ ___
supplies
Equipment calibration / QC ___ ___
Data analysis / software ___ ___
Report and dissemination (printing,
___ ___
stakeholder meeting)
Institutional overhead,
Overheads / indirect costs ___
administration
Total Estimated Cost: ___
(If required, we can also present cost in Ethiopian Birr, with detailed line
items.)
4. CV of Team Lead
[Attach in annex: Name, Education, Relevant work experience including
similar milk safety / food safety studies, publications if any, contact info.]
5. Why Bless Laboratory?
Proven laboratory capacity & accreditation (if any)
Strong field experience in Addis Ababa’s food markets
Good reputation for accuracy, timely delivery
Capability to manage budget, deliver on time (3‐month timeline
feasible)
