MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY EVALUATION AND PRESENCE OF ADULTERANTS IN FRESCAL MINAS CHEESE COMMERCIALIZED IN THE STATE OF BAHIA

Abstract

The accuracy of the nutritional tables and information on the packaging was assessed. This information was fragmented and converted into tables and plots using Microsoft Office Excel 2016 tools, and compared with data from the 2011 Brazilian Food Composition Table. The selected Minas Frescal cheeses are sold in Feira de Santana, Bahia. After collection, tests were performed to count total coliforms in the samples, using red violet bile agar (VRBL) as a culture medium to analyze hygienic and sanitary conditions, and Lugol's test to verify the presence of carbohydrates and adulteration in the product's manufacturing line. The analysis of the packaging revealed that the second sample had gaps in its labeling, such as the absence of calcium content and a lower protein level compared to the others, which may indicate variations in the manufacturing process. In the microbiological test, no total coliforms were found, in accordance with RDC No. 331/2019, ensuring the microbiological safety of the product. However, the presence of starch was detected in the first sample, which may indicate adulteration, contrary to Normative Instruction No. 76/2018.