MICROBIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF OYSTERS (CRASSOSTREA SPP) MARKETED IN THE STATE OF PARÁ, BRAZIL

Abstract

Oysters, bivalve mollusks, live predominantly in coastal regions and are valued for their high nutritional and culinary value. However, the ability of these mollusks to filter large volumes of water makes them susceptible to the bioaccumulation of pathogenic microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella. These contaminants pose a significant risk to public health, particularly due to the frequent consumption of raw oysters. The objective of this study was to analyze the presence of Salmonella spp and Escherichia coli in oyster samples marketed in the state of Pará, Brazil. There were 23 oyster samples, collected in 6 municipalities in the State of Pará.  Being 03 samples, from oyster growers' cooperatives and 20 samples collected from street vendors on beaches located on the coast of Pará. For the detection of Salmonella spp, the ISO 6579:2002 method was used, while the analysis of Escherichia coli followed the Embrapa protocol. The analyses revealed the presence of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli in 100% of the samples, regardless of the origin (cooperatives or street vendors). The contamination of oysters highlights failures in management and marketing. Our findings highlight the need for strict controls in the production chain to ensure the food safety of oyster consumers.