ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the microbiologic quality of curd cheese sold in the district of Cabo de Santo Agostinho (PE), Brazil, by verifying and quantifying pathogenic microorganisms in the product as well as indicators of its hygienic and sanitary conditions. Forty-two samples of cheese collected in 39 different commercial areas were analyzed. The samples were analyzed by the Central Laboratory of Pernambuco, following the procedures established by the Resolution of the Chartered Board of Directors RDC N. 12. It was found that 95.24% (40/42) of the samples of curd cheese presented characteristics that did not meet the standards of RDC 12. As for the contamination of the food by thermotolerant coliforms and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, 80.95% (34/42) and 76.19% (32/42), respectively, did not meet the acceptable standards and 9.52% (4/42) were positive for Salmonella sp. The results in this study suggest that the curd cheese sold in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, Brazil, does not comply with the current microbiologic standards prescribed by the Brazilian legislation, which makes it improper for human consumption.
KEY WORDS
Food; pathogenic microorganisms; food safety; sanitary legislation