Presence Of Thermotolerant Coliforms Research Articles

Analysis of water quality in Roda D’Água Brook, Uberaba River tributary, MG

Water resources degradation reflexes the environmental crisis caused by both increased anthropic demands and population growth, which lead to changes in consumption habits, pollution generation and lack of basic sanitation. The cost to treat water for public supply and to recover water springs is high, with emphasis on the relevance of preserving and taking care of water-use procedures. The Water Quality Index (WQI), which assesses waterbodies’ contamination, is the monitoring method adopted in Brazil. The aim of the present study is to assess the quality of water in Roda D’Água Brook, Uberaba City, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, based on WQI. It was done to diagnose this brook’s environmental health. To do so, physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters were assessed. Results have shown that the WQI value recorded for the herein assessed brook is too low, and its water was classified as having very poor quality, since its WQI values were lower than 25 – this number is considered dissatisfactory. Thus, although there was no industrial waste in its water, feces discharge from livestock farms close to this waterbody can be blamed for the frame, given the presence of thermo-tolerant coliforms in the assessed water. Therefore, this water must be avoided for human consumption and for leisure activities; moreover, it is recommended to take migratory actions to reduce anthropic impacts, since the brook’s content is used by the municipal government to water plants in the city. Thus, integrating policies associated with the accountable municipal bureaus are suggested and they must aim at guiding companies and local community, based on environmental policies that exceed the simple development and monitoring of projects focused on mitigating these water-spring issues.

Prevalence of enteroparasites in primates kept at the Brasília Zoo, Brazil

Parasitic infections are a primary disease affecting wild animals in captivity, which can cause morbidity and even mortality. The study aimed to identify the prevalence of enteroparasites at the Brasília Zoo, Brazil, and their possible risk factors. The research was conducted in 2019, and 37 primates from 19 species participated. Three stool samples were collected from the enclosures and were processed using three parasitological methods: (i) Spontaneous sedimentation, (ii) Rugai, and (iii) Kato-Katz method. Soil samples were collected from five points in each enclosure and processed using the Spontaneous sedimentation method. Water samples were collected from drinking fountains and analyzed for the presence of enteroparasites, using the Spontaneous sedimentation method, and for thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli using the COLILERT microbiological method. The results showed that 54% of the stool samples were positive, mostly for the commensal parasite Entamoeba coli. All soil samples were contaminated, mainly by the pathogenic protozoan Giardia sp. The presence of thermotolerant coliforms was detected in all water samples. This was the first study carried out on the prevalence of intestinal parasites in primates kept at the Brasília Zoo. It is essential for the health and well-being of animals kept in captivity, parasitological monitoring, as the identification of these parasites helps in the treatment and monitoring of infections, in addition to avoiding infections of people who work directly with them.

Qualidade físico-química e microbiológica de leite bovino cru refrigerado comercializado em Presidente Médici, estado de Rondônia, Amazônia Ocidental, Brasil

The aimed was to evaluate the quality of raw milk from some suppliers in rural and urban areas and test the hypothesis that they are not safe for immediate consumption. The study was conducted with suppliers in rural and urban areas in Presidente Médici municipality, Rondônia state. The method of the Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA), was used, which consists of titrating a portion of the sample with a sodium hydroxide solution of known concentration, using phenolphthalein as an indicator. According to Brazilian legislation and literature, stability of Alizarol, foreign substances, Chloride, Hypochlorite, Hydrogen Peroxide and Colostrum were analyzed. Microbiological analysis, standard plate count (SPC) and quantification of thermotolerant coliforms were also performed using the most probable number (MPN) technique. Values ​​above the limits established by legislation were found, mainly for temperature and titratable acidity, in addition to stability results against Alizarol and the presence of colostrum. There were high microbial contents with regard to SPC, and, in this case, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms cannot be disregarded. The presence of thermotolerant coliforms may indicate probable contact of milk with feces. Therefore, it is considered that the samples analyzed here are not safe for ingestion in the raw form.

Microbiological and parasitological quality of fruit pulps and juices used for detoxifying purposes

ABSTRACT The juice consumption with detoxifying properties has increased in the last few years, but inadequately produced food may transport pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of parasitological and microbiological contamination in fruit juices and fruit pulp used for detoxifying purposes. Twenty samples were analyzed, 10 of fruit pulp and 10 juices from July to August 2018. Thermotolerant coliform, mold, and yeast were counted. Parasitological analysis was performed by spontaneous sedimentation method and sedimentation by centrifugation techniques. Results showed that 20% and 60% of the fruit pulp and juice samples exhibited thermotolerant coliform counts above 1 log CFU/mL, respectively. The results showed that 60% of the pulp samples presented mold and yeast counts above 3 log CFU/mL. The protozoa found in the samples were Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, and E. histolytica/E. dispar cysts. The presence of thermotolerant coliforms in juices is an indicator of the presence of enteropathogens, mainly Escherichia coli. The high mold and yeast populations and the presence of protozoa in the fruit pulp and juices indicate hygienic and sanitary failures in the food processing. It may be concluded that there is a need for supervision and training in Good Manufacturing Practices by health agencies, aiming at the food safe production. KEY WORDS: Coliforms; parasites; food hygiene; food safety.

Microbiological water quality monitoring of four ponds from Lagoa do Sino Farm located in São Paulo State, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of the water of four ponds used for irrigation on the Lagoa do Sino Farm, as well as to perform the genotypic characterization of virulence factors in Escherichia coli isolates. Sampling was conducted for 11 months, between 2015 and 2016. Samples were analyzed for the presence of thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli and heterotrophs. DNA was extracted from E. coli isolates, followed by genotypic characterization by polymerase chain reaction. Agricultural activities and pesticides used in the sampling period were documented in order to assess possible relationships between agricultural activities and microbiological water quality. The absence of suitable riparian vegetation around all the ponds was observed, benefiting the entry of organic matter and contaminants in the water body. A high index of thermotolerant coliforms in some months indicated the possibility of the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms in these ponds. The values found in some months were above the regulatory limits for water potability and water intended for irrigation. The agrochemicals used in the period seem to influence the results obtained. All 17 E. coli isolates showed at least one of the virulence genes estA, stx1, stx2, and aatA, indicating enterotoxigenic, enterohaemorrhagic or enteroaggregative nature. The presence of E. coli in the waters may be associated with the presence of animals. The water samples analyzed are not suitable for irrigation of vegetables that are consumed raw and/or low lying fruits ingested without skin removal. It is essential to broaden the control of the use of chemicals, as well as the preservation of riparian vegetation to improve the quality of water used in the farm's agricultural activities.

Efficacy of commercial overhead washing and waxing systems on the microbiological quality of fresh peaches

Overhead spray washing and waxing systems (WWS) are used commercially to reduce the risk of microbial contamination and improve the quality of fresh produce during packing. This study evaluated the microbiological quality of overhead spray water and spent peach wash water, as well as fresh peaches before and after they pass the WWS. Pre- and post-washed/waxed peach samples (n = 192) and overhead spray water and spent peach wash water samples (n = 54) were collected several times over the course of a processing day in three packing facilities located in the state of Georgia. Populations of total aerobes (TA), yeasts and molds (YM), and coliforms (TC) and the presence of thermotolerant coliforms (TTC) and enterococci (EC) were measured in collected samples. The average TA and TC counts and the incidences of TTC and EC were significantly higher (P < 0.05) on peach samples collected after the WWS compared to those collected before the WWS. Counts and incidences of TA, YM, and TC in spent peach wash water were significantly higher than in the overhead spray water where neither TTC nor EC was detected. Results suggest that the commercial washing and waxing systems had little effect in improving the microbiological quality of fresh peaches.

Genotypical characterization of thermotolerant coliforms isolated from food produced by a Solidarity Economic Venture of Bahia (Brazil).

Many Solidarity Economic Venture (SEV) are family farmers who seek to add value to production through artisanal processing, which can lead to food contamination. Thus, this study aimed to genotypically characterize thermotolerant coliforms (TtC) strains from food produced by local agribusinesses of SEV during January to April 2019. Samples from thirteen production units (PU) from the SEV were submitted to a microbiological analysis of thermotolerant coliforms (AFNOR 3M1/2 - 09/89), using a fast count method in Petrifilm™ dishes. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique was used to verify the following virulence genes (VGs) associated with Escherichia coli: stx, typical from enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC); bfpA typical from entheropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and elt and slt, typical from entherotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). The results showed that two samples of queijadinha (typical Brazilian candy made with eggs and coconut) and one sample of cassava cake presented characteristic colonies TtC. This way, three strains were isolated in order to perform the PCR technique. However, the genes used in the reaction were not detected in the isolated strains. Therefore, it is suggested that the isolated strains are from E. coli pathotypes with different virulence genes than the ones analyzed belong other types of TtC, such as Enterobacter and Klebsiella. Although the virulence of genes has not been confirmed, the presence of TtC on food indicates hygiene flaws during production and, therefore, measurements to control and prevent contamination should be taken.

Microbiological characteristics of meliponine honey marketed in the State of Paraná – Brazil

Meliponine is a honey with particular characteristics; it has a high percentage of humidity, which can favor the development of microorganisms, thereby causing changes in the quality of the product. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological characteristics of meliponine honey produced by different species and marketed in the State of Paraná-Brazil. The sample unit was composed of honey of Tetragonisca angustula (n = 15), Scaptotrigona bipunctata (n = 05), Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata (n = 05) and Melipona bicolor schencki (n = 01). The following microbiological parameters were evaluated: counts of total and thermotolerant coliforms, fungi count and detection of Salmonella spp. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate the possible relationships among species, locality and type of microorganism. For microorganisms of the total coliform group, 15.38% of the analyzed samples had values &gt;3 MPN/g. The presence of thermotolerant coliforms was observed in 7.69% of the samples, all of which were T. angustula samples. For fungi counts, 100.00% of the analyzed samples had values within the established range created by the Agricultural Defense Agency of Paraná. The presence of Salmonella spp. was not observed in any of the samples evaluated. The amount of water in the honey is related to the location of the apiary and edaphoclimatic factors. Adoption of good handling practices by beekeepers is indispensable for the safety of the final product.

Research of microorganisms, parasites and dirt in drumsticks sold by street vendors

It is of great importance to maintain the hygienic-sanitary quality of food and places where it is handled and marketed. This work aimed to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary conditions of Brazilian croquettes with chicken filling sold by street vendors in the city of Mossoró, state of Rio Grande do Norte. Ten samples were subjected to counting aerobic mesophilic bacteria, counting fungi and yeasts, Salmonella spp., Coliforms at 35ºC and 45ºC. The research was into find dirtiness and pathogenic parasites was carried out with the flotation and sedimentation test. Total coliforms were found in 30% (3/10) of the samples evaluated, with values ​​ranging from &lt;3.0 to&gt; 1100 NMP / g and the presence of thermotolerant coliforms in 10% (1/10) with a value greater than &gt; 1100 NMP / g. The count of mesophilic bacteria varied from 3.17 to 6.23 (Log10 UFC/g). While the mold and yeast count between 3.69 to 5.55 (Log10 UFC/g). Regarding the analyzes of Salmonella ssp., Escherichia coli and pathogenic parasites were negative. The results allowed to conclude that, of the total of ten samples analyzed, 10% (1/10) was unfit for human consumption.

Characteristics and impacts on the groundwater of the Guriri beach resort, São Mateus, ES, Brazil

Water abstraction from phreatic aquifers allows easy access at low cost. However, these waters’ direct consumption can be harmful, especially in unsewered areas where domestic effluents are discharged into cesspits. This study assesses the quality of the groundwater explored by the Guriri beach resort residents. Samples from 35 residential wells were characterized, considering physicochemical and microbiological parameters. The water balance (rainfall–evapotranspiration), proximity to the shoreline, and separation between the well and the cesspit were taken into account in the interpretations. The evaluation with statistical tests (mean and correlation), graphs (Piper and Gibbs), and multivariate techniques (PCA and HCA) allowed the separation of two chemically distinct groups of waters. One from shallow wells (3 to 4 m depth) with lower electrical conductivity (EC) and acidic characteristics and the other gathering the deeper wells (11 to 13 m) with higher EC and neutral pH. All samples were classified as freshwater (TDS < 1 g/L), but its quality was compromised by permissible values infractions for pH, FeT, Cl−, HCO3− and by the presence of thermotolerant coliforms and E. Coli, in 50 and 20% of the wells, respectively. The participating residents were instructed on how to treat the waters by filtration and chlorination techniques. The effects of marine intrusion were absent. Moreover, the alternation between months with negative and positive water balance explains the groundwater EC values variation due to the accumulation and leaching of salts to the aquifer. The study revealed the aquifer vulnerability and the need for higher protection of this vital water source.

Determinación de la calidad microbiológica de las aguas termales de Yura durante los meses de Septiembre a Diciembre, 2017

En Arequipa se encuentra el balneario de Yura un lugar muy concurrido por turistas locales y extranjeros, aquí encontramos pozos con aguas termomedicinales para tratar diferentes afecciones. Las aguas termales son aguas procedentes de capas subterráneas de la tierra con temperaturas muy elevadas y alta concentración de minerales, por lo cual, el hombre hace uso de estas aguas para su consumo y aplicaciones terapéuticas. Sin embargo, estas propiedadesdel agua pueden verse afectadas por contacto del aire, suelo y hasta por el hombre, siendo perjudiciales para la salud del mismo. En la presente investigación, se determinó la calidad microbiológica de las aguas termales de Yura, para determinar la presencia y recuento de Coliformes Totales, Coliformes Termotolerantes y Enterococcus faecalis se utilizó la técnica del Número Más Probable, para la presencia de Salmonella, Pseudomona aeruginosa, se utilizaronmedios selectivos, los primeros cuatro parámetros microbiológicos se compararon con el Decreto Supremo N° 002-2008. Se analizaron parámetros fisicoquímicos in situ utilizando el multiparámetro HANNA HI9811-5 y el turbidímetro TU430. Los resultados mostraron que del total de las muestras analizadas se encontró 1.67% con presencia de Coliformes Termotolerantes, 3.33% de E. faecalis que sobrepasaron los parámetros establecidos por el decreto supremo,se encontró ausencia de Salmonella y Pseudomona aeruginosa se encontró en un 26% de las muestras estudiadas. Se concluyó que las aguas termales de Yura se encuentran aptas para su usosegún el Decreto Supremo 002-2008 MINAM para aguas recreacionales respecto a Coliformes Totales, Coliformes Termotolerantes, E. faecalis y Salmonella.

Water Quality of Underground Wells in Limoeiro do Norte, Brazilian Northeast

The objective of this work was to assess the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics, as well as the potential of salinization and sodification of groundwater wells in Limoeiro do Norte, Cear&amp;aacute; states, Brazil. Six water wells were selected for the study, all of them used for irrigation and human consumption. The ionic classification was performed by Piper Diagram and the salinity risk using the U.S.S.L. (United States Salinity Laboratory) Diagram using Qualigraf software. Based on the average chemical element concentration (mmolc L-1) in the groundwater, the following quantification is obtained: Na+ &amp;gt; Ca2+ &amp;gt; Mg2+ &amp;gt; K+ for cations. For anions there was a change in the the wells, for the 1, 3 and 4 Cl- &amp;gt; HCO3- &amp;gt; SO42- &amp;gt; CO32- and wells 2, 5 and 6 HCO3- &amp;gt; Cl- &amp;gt; SO42- &amp;gt; CO32-. The wells 1, 2 and 3 have severe restrictions for use by SAR (sodium absorption ratio) and Na+ content. Water from wells 1, 3 and 5 were classified as sodium chloride, 2 and 6 were classified as sodium bicarbonate and well 4 as calcium magnesium sulfate. With the exception of well 6 classified as freshwater, all other wells were classified as brackish water. Groundwater samples fall in C3S1 or C3S2 category with high salinity and low or medium sodium hazard. With the exception of Na+, whose value was above the limit allowed, no well with groundwater was detected chemical hazard for human consumption. There was the detection of Total coliforms, but in well 5 the presence of Thermotolerant coliforms was detected.

Hydro-chemical and microbiological characterization of Lower Cretaceous waters in a semi-arid zone Beni-Ounif syncline, South-West of Algeria

Abstract The article analyses the water quality of the Lower Cretaceous aquifer in the Beni-Ounif syncline. To this end, 42 samples were taken for physico-chemical analysis and 28 for microbiological analysis in March, May and October 2017 from 14 sampling points. The results of physico-chemical analysis were processed by multi-variety statistical analysis methods: principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) coupled to hydro chemical methods: Piper diagram. The PCA allowed us to explore the connections between physico-chemical parameters and similarities between samples and to identify the most appropriate physico-chemical elements to describe water quality. The HCA allowed us to classify the sampling points according to the similarity between them and thus reduce them for the next follow-up analysis. Waters of the syncline are characterized by medium to low mineralization (320 &lt; EC &lt; 7600 μS∙cm–1 and 200 &lt; RS &lt; 4020 mg∙dm−3) and hardness of between 22 and 123°f. Only 19% of the samples show NO3 concentrations exceeding the Algerian standards. Microbiologically, the study reports the presence of bacteria: coliforms (&lt;8 CFU∙0.1 dm−3), Streptococcus D (&lt;1100 CFUꞏ0.1 dm–3), Clostridium sulphito-reducer of vegetative form (&lt;90 CFUꞏ0.02 dm–3) and sporulate (&lt;4 CFUꞏ0.02 dm–3), total aerobic mesophilic flora at 22°C (&lt;462 CFUꞏ0.001 dm–3) and at 37°C (&lt;403 CFUꞏ0.001 dm–3). It must be noted that no presence of thermo-tolerant coliforms is observed.

Risk factors with the occurrence of parasites and coliform in vegetables from an agroindustry

ABSTRACT In this study, we evaluated the risk factors associated with the occurrence of total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, and intestinal parasite eggs in vegetables from an agroindustry in the city of Ibiúna - SP, Brazil. A questionnaire with 17 questions was applied to 24 producers to carry out a diagnosis of the risk factors and their posterior association or not with total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, and intestinal parasite eggs. The questions addressed mainly the production system, fertilizer used, source of the water used for irrigation, sanitization of the vegetables, and form of transport. For the investigation of total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, and intestinal parasite eggs, the samples were processed at the microbiology and parasitology laboratory of the Federal Institute of São Paulo, São Roque Campus. The results revealed that total coliforms were found in 100% of the investigated samples and thermotolerant coliforms were detected in 95.83% of the samples. There was a significant statistical association for the risk factor use of reservoir water, where there was release of wastewater and absence of sanitization of the vegetables at the moment of harvest in relation to the presence of thermotolerant coliforms. Intestinal parasite eggs were found in 33.33% of the samples.

Hygienic-sanitary Conditions of Fish Markets Commercialized in the Municipality of Maceió – Alagoas

Introduction: The search for a healthier diet has led to a worldwide increase in fish consumption in recent years. This also brought a growth of diseases transmitted by this type of food, when outside the quality standards and poor hygienic-sanitary conditions of the establishments in which they are sold. This study aims to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary conditions of fish commercialized in the city of Maceio – Alagoas, contributing to define a microbiological profile of this product. Methodology: Fish samples from six commercial points were collected from commercial establishments, with two replicates at different periods, totaling 12 samples. Microbiological analyzes were performed for total and thermotolerant coliforms, Salmonella spp and Staphylococcus aureus (coagulase-positive), following methodology according to the legislation. . Results and Discussion: Turbidity and gas production were observed in 75% of the total coliform samples and 66.66% of positivity for the samples in the EC tubes, indicating the presence of thermotolerant coliforms. Salmonella spp was absent in all samples. In the Staphylococcus aureus analyzes, only one sample (8.33%) was uncontaminated by this microorganism, however, 91.67% of the samples were contaminated. Conclusion: The sum of these results suggests possible fecal contamination, evidencing unsatisfactory hygienic-sanitary conditions of manipulation of the fish commercialized in the evaluated establishments of the city of Maceio-AL.

Reduction of thermotolerant coliforms present in the sea water by means of micro-nanobubbles of air-ozone of the beach los pavos, lima, peru

The marine pollution in Latin America and the Caribbean is due to domestic sewage discharges into the sea, which do not receive previous treatment, thus generating health problems for the population. This is due to the presence of thermotolerant coliforms and solid waste on the beaches in the Peruvian coast. The beach Los Pavos, as well as other beaches in Lima, is a very popular recreation area especially in summer. This beach complies with the parameters of beaches cleaning quality and presence of hygienic services, thus qualifying as a healthy beach. However, the analysis carried out in this research have found the presence of thermotolerant coliforms of 1400 NMP / 100mL at pH 7.13 and 44.5 °C (or 112.1 °F), exceeding the environmental standard values.In order to reduce this considerable amount of thermotolerant coliforms, sea- water microbubbles (MNBs) of air-ozone were tested. These micro-bubbles were generated by a device for the generation of Micro Nanobubbles invented by Dr. Jhonny Valverde Flores. The air / ozone volume ratio was 3/1, the size of the MNB was 7 µm, with a water flow of 4.67 L / min and a pressure of the air-ozone mixture of 90 PSI. The volume ratio of sea water / water with MNBs for sample A was 3/1, for sample B of 1/1 and for Sample C of 1/3. As a result of research, the presence of thermotolerant coliforms of sample A decreased to 56 NMP / 100mL, of sample B decreased to 79 NMP / 100mL and of sample C decreased to 130 NMP / 100mL, achieving an efficiency of 96%, 94.36% and 90.71%, respectively.

Prevalence of microbiological contaminants in groundwater sources and risk factor assessment in Juba, South Sudan

In low-income regions, drinking water is often derived from groundwater sources, which might spread diarrheal disease if they are microbiologically polluted. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of fecal contamination in 147 improved groundwater sources in Juba, South Sudan and to assess potential contributing risk factors, based on bivariate statistical analysis. Thermotolerant coliforms (TTCs) were detected in 66% of the investigated sources, including 95 boreholes, breaching the health-based recommendations for drinking water. A significant association (p<0.05) was determined between the presence of TTCs and the depth of cumulative, long-term prior precipitation (both within the previous five days and within the past month). No such link was found to short-term rainfall, the presence of latrines or damages in the borehole apron. However, the risk factor analysis further suggested, to a lesser degree, that the local topography and on-site hygiene were additionally significant. In summary, the analysis indicated that an important contamination mechanism was fecal pollution of the contributing groundwater, which was unlikely due to the presence of latrines; instead, infiltration from contaminated surface water was more probable. The reduction in fecal sources in the environment in Juba is thus recommended, for example, through constructing latrines or designating protection areas near water sources. The study results contribute to the understanding of microbiological contamination of groundwater sources in areas with low incomes and high population densities, tropical climates and weathered basement complex environments, which are common in urban sub-Saharan Africa.

Perfil parasitológico de moradores de uma comunidade quilombola

ObjetivoAnalisar dados sobre prevalência e espécies de parasitos intestinais entre moradores de uma comunidade quilombola.MétodosFoi utilizado levantamento amostral não probabilístico por acessibilidade ou conveniência. A amostra constituiu-se de 153 indivíduos que responderam uma ficha de investigação epidemiológica e que realizaram exames parasitológicos de fezes. por meio da técnica de sedimentação de Hoffman-Pons-Janer e da análise da água, segundo a técnica de tubos múltiplos, para estimativa da densidade média dos microrganismos. A seleção dos locais de coleta das amostras levou em consideração critérios ambientais e sanitários.ResultadosA proporção de infestados foi de 16,8% e as variáveis estatisticamente significativas foram município de moradia (p=0,048) e hábito de higiene de lavagem das mãos (p≤0,001). As variáveis água encanada, presença de coliformes termotolerantes na água (p=0,038) e tratamento da água de beber (p≤0,001) associaram-se estatisticamente à variável episódio diarreico no último mês (p=0,008).ConclusãoOs resultados indicaram infestações por diferentes espécies de parasitos relacionados a episódios diarreicos associados às condições de higiene precárias, destacando-se a falta de tratamento da água para consumo humano.

Avaliação da qualidade do leite cru comercializado informalmente em feiras livres no município de Santa Maria-RS

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the quality of raw milk informally com-mercialized in street markets in the city of Santa Maria, RS. Samples of raw milk were purchased directly from merchants in street markets and the milk quality evaluation was performed through physical-chemical and microbiological analysis. Ten samples of informal raw milk were analyzed, but only two showed no variation from the titrable acidity. In these two samples, the parameters of density and fat showed satisfactory results, in opposition to the cryoscopic index, protein and fat dry extract that presented at odds with the established standards. In relation to the microbiological analyzes, 30% of the samples had count of mesophilic microorganisms greater than 6.0x105 UFC/ml and the presence of thermotolerant coliforms was confirmed in all samples of raw milk, but no samples showed contamination by Salmonella sp. Considering that this product is illegally commercialized, the obtained results show the precariousness of hygiene in the commercialized milk in street markets. The consumption of raw milk without any hygienic-sanitary control type exposes consumer health to risks.

English

Three hundred and forty (340) samples of surfaces from equipment (skinning machines), utensils (polyethylene cutting boards, polypropylene cases, baskets, and trays, plastic material used to cover the trays, packaging tanks, knives, and stainless steel sorting and packaging tables), and gloves used by handlers in fish industries, collected with swabs in August 2010 and August 2011, were evaluated. In each period, five different collections were made on different days in both the early morning and early afternoon. Counts of aerobic mesophiles and total coliforms were performed and the presence of thermotolerant coliforms was investigated. All samples collected in the afternoon shift, in either collection periods, showed significantly higher contamination by aerobic mesophiles compared to the morning shift (p&lt;0.05). 50.0 and 81.8% of the equipment and utensils analyzed in the first and second collection, respectively, were within the recommendations by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) regardless of the work shift. The gloves in the first collection period had aerobic mesophile count above 4 log UFC/glove in 76.7% of the samples and in only 21.7% in the second collection. Although surface contamination decreased, corrective measures still must be enforced and the employees must be oriented regarding the importance of hygienization. Key words: Hygienization, mesophiles, equipment, utensils, handlers.