A comercialização de peixes em feiras públicas, nos Municípios de Feira de Santana e Cruz das Almas, Bahia

Abstract

Fish are among the most important renewable natural resources on Earth. In addition to playing a crucial role in marine ecosystems, they are also responsible for improving life, through the generation of jobs in the chain productive fishing, for thousands of people all over the world and, mainly, for being an extra source of protein that they provide especially to countries under development. The objective of this work was to characterize the commercialization of caught in street markets in the municipalities of Feira de Santana and Cruz das Almas, Bahia. In Feira de Santana, the study was carried out at the Supply and in Cruz das Almas at the Municipal Market, from November 2015 to January 2016, through the application of a semi-structured questionnaire to merchants and another to consumers. It was observed that the most valuable fish commercial was sea bass, costing R$ 35.00 and sardines the smallest species value costing up to R$ 7.50 per kilo. Most pits in Feira de Santana stored the fish in styrofoam boxes containing ice, while in Cruz das Souls, only in freezer. However, the hygienic-sanitary conditions were not satisfactory in none of the cities, presenting a precarious exposition of the fish and with the utensils used in handling the fish, which may cause problems of cross contamination in fish. most consumers respondents were male and attended the fair at least once a month the fair in both cities eat fish at least once a week, have preference for fresh and gutted fish. In Feira de Santana there is a greater preference for saltwater fish, while in Cruz das Almas for freshwater species. It is suggested to have an awareness and training to traders, by the Sanitary Surveillance Agency or similar, about the importance of hygiene in handling, as well as adequate forms of exposure and fish conservation. These measures may allow consumers to availability of quality products, in addition to increasing stock time of fish.