Avaliação da qualidade microbiológica e caracterização do comércio do queijo de coalho no Município do Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, Brasil

Abstract

This study was conducted between the months of January and December 2008. It aimed at evaluating the microbiologic quality and the presentation of curdle cheese sold in the district of Cabo de Santo Agostinho (PE). The methodology employed to evaluate the hygienic conditions of the product were established by the Central Lab of Public Health in Pernambuco, for the microbiologic analysis of labeling and municipal inspection, as guided by RDC 216. Forty-two samples of cheese collected in thirty-nine different commercial areas were analyzed. It was found that 95,24% (40/42) of the samples of curdle cheese presented characteristics that were against the standards established by the Resolution of Chartered Board of Directors N. 12 (RDC 12/ ANVISA). As for the hygienic conditions of the product being sold (curdle cheese), considering both national and local legislations, the results presented irregular characteristics in between 17,95% and 66,67% of the cases. Concerning the labeling, 100% (4/4) were classified as unsatisfactory. The results in this study suggests that food commercialization in Cabo de Santo Agostinho present several sanitarian irregularities and that the curdle cheese sold in this district does not comply with the current microbiologic standards prescribed by the Brazilian legislation, what makes it improper for human consumption.