Qualidade higiênico sanitária da castanha de caju comercializada na Feira Livre de Cruz das Almas - BA

Abstract

The cashew (Anacardium occidentale) whose fruit is composed of film and almond bark is spread throughout the Brazilian territory, especially in the Northeast. During the process of obtaining almond cashew contamination can occur, since the harvest, transport, cooking until the removal of the bark. Exposure to air almonds favors the process of rancidity and the development of microorganism. Given the recent sanitary requirements of the global food market, microbial control of dried fruit and seeds is extremely important for public health as well as to obtain a quality food for export. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of almonds cashews sold in Fair Free of Cruz das Almas, Bahia state. Were acquired in April 2012 and September 2012, 20 samples of almonds cashews. In each establishment called B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 e B7, being obtained 2 samples (with shell and shelled). The samples were analyzed for fecal coliform at 350C and 450C, molds and yeasts, mesophilic aerobic bacteria. The results show that coliform counts were low ranging from 3 to 1.1 x 103 MPN/ g for coliforms at 350C and 3 to 7.5 x 101 MPN/ g for coliforms at 450C. We did not detect the presence of E. coli in samples. The counts of yeasts and molds were also considered low, ranging from 10 to 9 x 101 CFU/ g. For aerobic mesophilic bacteria, the maximum count was 1.3 x103 CFU / g. These results can be considered low and therefore the cashew nuts traded in Cruz das Almas presents no danger to health public.