Salmonella Typhimurium, Infantis, Derby, and Enteritidis survival in pasty dulce de leche

Dulce de leche is a food obtained by concentration and heating of milk with the addition of sucrose. The common practice of opening the dulce de leche containers in retail markets can lead to food contamination by Salmonella. The objective of this study was to evaluate the survivability of Salmonellaenterica subsp. enterica serotypes Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Infantis and Derby in pasty dulce de leche. Aliquots of this sweet were experimentally contaminated with these microorganisms and later analyzed to evaluate microorganism viability after storage for 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 20 days. Salmonella was recovered up to the 20th day. These results are a warning about the need to adopt proper sanitary-hygienic measures for handling and packaging this food aiming at food safety.

Quality evaluation of parmesan-type cheese: a chemometric approach

Parmesan-type cheeses are the most consumed special cheeses in Brazil. It is generally sold in retail shops, either grated or in wedge-shaped pieces, and its quality varies considerably, which is reflected directly in its price. There is lack of processing standardization and, since the ripening period is fundamental for the quality of this hard, semi-fat cooked cheese, this stage seems to be the thin line between low and high quality products. It is important to note that the Italian Parmegiano Reggiano is matured for a period of twelve months, as well as its rival Grana Padano, and this long ripening period causes changes making them gourmet, highly-valued cheeses. In the present study, twelve different Parmesan-type cheeses were purchased from the Brazilian retail market and evaluated for microbiological, physicochemical, and instrumental parameters. Heterogeneous quality was confirmed by microbiological problems detected in the samples and physicochemical composition that did not meet current Brazilian specifications. The use of principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis made it possible to separate the samples into three distinct groups, mainly due to different acidity and moisture levels, water activity, and hardness values. The price per kg was also considered and was correlated with moisture, acidity, and texture.

Biochemical and color changes of fresh-cut melon (Cucumis melo L. cv. Galia) treated with UV-C

The importance of minimally processed commodities in the retail groceries of most developed countries has been rising continuously during the last decades. Cantaloupe melon is used more than any other fruit in fresh-cut processing. Ultraviolet (UV) light has been extensively used to simulate biological stres in plants and for determining resistance mechanisms of plant tissues. In this study the effect of ultraviolet irradiation on some properties of fresh-cut cantalope melon was determined during storage. Freshly cut cantalope melons cubes treated with ultraviolet irradiation at the doses of 1, 2 or 3 min before storage, and then placed in a cold room at 5±1°C temperature and 85-90% RH. Hue angle values of control group is low compared to UV-C treated samples, whereas L values of is high. EL of UV treated samples higher than those of control group. Total soluble solids of fresh-cut melon samples in UC3 treatment increased during storage. The results indicate that UV-C treatments on fresh-cut cantaloupe melon cubes increased total soluble solids independently from water loss.

Use of densimetric table to improve the quality of commercial castor bean seeds

Castor bean fruits are already used for biodiesel production but obtaining quality seeds is still a challenge. Seed cleaning improves lot quality but little is known about the effects of upgrading castor bean seed lots on a densimetric table. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of cleaning castor bean seed lots on a densimetric table on their physical, physiological and sanitary characteristics. Two commercial lots of the AL Guarani 2002 cultivar, separated into five categories according to their classification on a densimetric table (uncleaned and low, low intermediate, high intermediate and high outlets), were evaluated. Tests for the yield, one-thousand seed weight, germination, seedling emergence, electrical conductivity and seed health were performed. The classification of castor bean seeds on a densimetric table significantly improved the physical, physiological and sanitary quality of commercial seed lots. The physiological response of the different classified lots varied according to their initial weight. Castor bean seeds separated on a densimetric table for the upper outlet showed a better physical, physiological and sanitary quality compared to those for the lower outlet.

Price synchronization in retailing: some empirical evidence

The paper investigates the synchronization of price changes in the context of retail tire dealers in São Paulo-Brazil and selected items in supermarkets for cleaning supplies and food in Rio de Janeiro-Brazil. Results indicate similar and non-negligible synchronization for different brands, although magnitudes are distant from a perfect synchronization pattern. We find interesting patterns in inter-firm competition, with similar magnitudes across different tire types. Intra-chain synchronization is substantial, indicating that a common price adjustment policy tends to be sustained for each chain across different products.