Qualidade microbiológica de amostras de queijo coalho comercializado a granel no mercado da produção em Maceió-AL

Abstract

Coalho cheese is a product of cultural and economic importance in Northeastern Brazil, but its production and commercialization in open markets often occur without complying with hygiene and sanitary standards, posing a risk to consumer health. This study evaluated the microbiological quality of four samples of coalho cheese sold in bulk at the Mercado da Produção, in Maceió-AL, through the determination of the Most Probable Number (MPN/g) of total and thermotolerant coliforms. The results showed that two samples (A1TB and A3TMI) presented values <3 MPN/g for total and thermotolerant coliforms, within acceptable microbiological quality parameters. Sample A2TB showed moderate contamination (15 MPN/g of total coliforms), with no detection of thermotolerant coliforms. Sample A4TMI revealed a high level of contamination (>2400 MPN/g of total coliforms), indicating failures in production and commercialization conditions. The absence of thermotolerant coliforms in all samples suggests a lower risk of enteric pathogens, but the high load of total coliforms in some samples highlights hygienic-sanitary deficiencies that compromise food safety. The findings reinforce the need for the adoption of Good Manufacturing Practices, refrigerated transport, and effective inspection by regulatory agencies to ensure microbiological quality and protect public health.