The aim of this work was to evaluate the microbial quality of sausage in function of the potential involvement of these products in public health questions. Samples were randomly collected in Três Corações (n=20) and Lavras (n=20), both cities of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Microbiological analysis (ICMSF, 1982) were conduced to quantify, isolate and identify coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus positive coagulase and Salmonella spp. Salmonella spp was not found in none of samples. Counts of coliforms were between 10¹ to 10(4) MPN/g. Counts Staphylococcus positive coagulase were above the limit established by food legislation in 14% of the samples. In function of values found in this research sausages analyzed were elaborated under inappropriated conditions of hygiene and may represent risks to consumers.
Sausage; microbial contamination; quality
