EVALUATION OF THE MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF OATS SOLD IN BULK IN CEREAL HOUSES OF RECIFE - PE

Abstract

Introduction: In the last decade, there has been an increase in demand for foods that improve or benefit health, oats stand out for falling into two categories of functional foods: whole grain and source of soluble fiber. In addition, the demand for cereals in bulk stores is increasingly common among the population. Among the desirable qualities that should be related to food is the exemption from pathogenic microorganisms. Objectives: To evaluate the microbiological quality of oats sold in bulk in cereal houses in Recife-PE, Brazil, verifying the microbiological load through total coliforms, Escherichia coli and aerobic mesophilic bacteria count. Method: We analyzed 10 samples of oats, whose purchase occurred in the form of a common consumer of the product, without the establishment being alerted. The most probable number of total coliforms and E.coli was determined through the Multiple Tubes technique and for the evaluation of the sanitary quality of the food, the aerobic mesophilic bacteria were quantified, according to the growth of the colonies in the Plate Count Agar agar. Results: The presence of contamination by aerobic mesophilic bacteria was observed in seven (7) samples. In the analysis of E. coli, there were no positive samples. All samples analyzed are fit for consumption when compared with RDC No. 331 and IN 60 of December 2019. Conclusion: The samples are suitable for consumption. However, further studies should be carried out in order to verify the microbiological quality of other products marketed in bulk in other national regions.