Perfil microbiano, físico-químico e análise das boas práticas de fabricação (BPF) de queijos minas frescal e ricota

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Evolução da microbiota contaminante em linha de processamento de queijos Minas frescal e ricota

Fresh cheeses such as Minas frescal and ricotta are excellent means for undesirable microorganisms to thrive, damaging quality and wholesomeness of these products. In this context, this study aimed at evaluating the contaminating microorganisms in the processing line of fresh cheese, namely Minas frescal and ricotta, of a dairy plant nestled in the city of São José do Rio Preto-SP. The analyses were carried out with the following steps: water, pasteurized milk, curd, mass, whey, palmar surface and coagulation tank, and cheeses with zero and five days of shelf life. Such steps were monitored by determining the MLN of total coliforms and thermotolerants; counting of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and mesophilic aerobic bacteria; search of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. Twelve samples were evaluated in each step. Among the water samples, three are provided with higher values than the ones recommended in terms of mesophilic aerobic bacteria. Three milk samples did not comply with thermotolerant coliforms. The mass samples, curd and whey showed a decrease in the counting for all microorganisms. Both palm surface and coagulation tank showed low counting for all bioindicators. All milk samples showed compliance regarding phosphatase/peroxidase.

Avaliação das boas práticas de fabricação em linha de processamento de queijos Minas frescal e ricota

In order to assure the maintenance of foods integrity and quality, for avoiding chemical, physical or biological contamination, it is essential to follow the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Among the techniques used for evaluating GMP there is the observational analysis carried out by means of a check-list form application. The present study evaluated the suitability of GMP in a dairy industry producer of Minas fresh and ricotta cheeses, located in São José do Rio Preto, SP, by applying a check-list form. A significant improvement in conformity was evidenced, increasing from 43% to 78%. Neither the blocks related to the handlers nor the existing documentation in the company showed any improvements, as poor conditions unchanged. All of the other evaluated blocks showed significant improvement after applying the GMPrelated corrective measures. Based on these findings, the observance of corrective measures by the dairy industry on dairy products, physical environment, GMP, and handlers training was crucial for assuring the improvements and to increase the product quality and consumers safety.