Milk and dairy products are vital to human nutrition, but in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), these foods face rising chemical and microbial risks. This study performed a comprehensive risk assessment of dairy products collected from both formal and informal markets in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 84 samples—including milk, yogurt, cheese, curd, matha, ghee, and butter—were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Elevated levels of lead (0.784 mg/L), arsenic (62.864 µg/kg), cadmium (0.019 mg/L), and mercury (0.157 mg/L) were found, especially in cheese and curd. Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were present in 80% and 20% of raw milk samples, respectively. Health risk indicators such as Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) showed moderate to high risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Multivariate analyses (PCA and HCA) revealed clustering of contaminants, indicating common environmental and operational sources. These findings emphasize the dual challenge of contamination in Bangladeshi dairy systems and highlight the need for stricter regulation, better hygiene practices, and targeted monitoring. The integrated risk assessment framework offers a model that LMICs can adopt to enhance dairy safety and safeguard public health.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2026.109425