Microbiological quality of artisanal Minas Frescal cheeses commercialized at street markets in the region of Bauru, São Paulo

Abstract

Minas Frescal cheese has high humidity and pH close to neutrality, which favors microbial proliferation. It is a common habit for people to buy this type of cheese at open markets, where they are sold without any type of quality seal that guarantees the safety of the product. Salmonella spp., coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus, and coliforms are some examples of pathogens that can be found in these cheeses when there is excessive handling, use of fresh milk, and failures in good manufacturing practices. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of Minas Frescal cheeses without sanitary inspection, sold in open markets in the region of Bauru, São Paulo, through the search for Salmonella spp., coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus, and total and thermotolerant, comparing the results obtained with the current legislation. Samples of thirty Minas Frescal cheeses were evaluated. The microbiological analyses were performed according to the literature, at the Clinical Analysis Laboratory at the University Paulista (UNIP), Bauru Campus. All samples analyzed showed a total absence of Salmonella spp. and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus in these. However, 26 of the 30 samples were in disagreement with the current legislation regarding the maximum allowed number (MPN/g) of total coliforms, and the presence of Escherichia coli was also detected in 36% of the samples. The results showed that the cheeses sold in street markets in the region of Bauru-SP have low hygienic-sanitary conditions and may represent a potential risk to the health of consumers.