Avaliação higiênico-sanitária e microbiológica de alface (Lactuca sativa) comercializada em feira livre de Francisco Beltrão - PR

Abstract

Fairs-free stand for the sale of food "in natura", wide range of products and the price range. One of the problems that can be found in the markets is the lack of attention when handling and storing food. These irregular habits can lead to serious problems in consumer health, such as food poisoning. In this sense, the proposed study aims to evaluate the hygienic and sanitary conditions of lettuce (Lactuca sativa), marketed in fair Francisco Beltrão- PR. The study was conducted from September to November 2015 in the open market where the products are marketed. Questionnaires were applied (check-list) inspection in eight stalls evaluating the questions hygiene of handlers, facilities and surroundings, utensils, hygiene of food and water. Two lettuce samples for microbiological analyzes were collected in three different periods in the interval of two weeks. Regarding the sanitary conditions of the stalls evaluated in this study were classified as "bad", with an average score of 50% compliance with the analyzed questions. Among the main points considered critical defects are found, we highlight the drawer hygiene questions, utensils, hygiene of food and water. Of the samples of lettuce, 100% had become contaminated with total coliforms, and one of the samples tested positive for E. coli, and may contain pathogenic strains of the same. The results obtained for most probable number (NMP) ranged from 3,5 x 101 a> 1,1 x 103 NMP g-1 for total coliforms and 9,2 x 10 to 9,3 x 101 NMP g-1 Coliform termolerantes, lying within the standards established by law. But the presence of total and fecal coliforms in the analyzed vegetables showed that: at some point, whether in production, handling or storage of vegetables, there was contact thereof with human feces or animals. This fact is closely related to poor hygienic and sanitary condition of the stalls. Since the situation of bunkers and the presence of fecal coliform in the product with an incidence of E. coli, it is recommended to carry out corrective actions of Health Surveillance, directed to the fairground in order to clarify the need to improve the exposure and marketing conditions of product; and to consumers by clarifying correct procedures for preparation and cleaning for domestic consumption.