Microbiological quality of raw milk marketed in Itapetinga-BA

Abstract

This research was carried out with the aim to evaluate the risks to health of the population in the consumption of raw milk sold in Itapetinga City, State of Bahia, in Brazil. Thirty samples obtained from three sale points (10 of each point) were submitted the following analyses: determination of the Most Probable Number (MPN) of 35°C coliforms and 45°C coliforms, research of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus count (CFU) and research of Salmonella. The experiment was conducted in randomized design with 10 repetitions. There wasn’t significant difference between the three sales points evaluated in the averages of S. aureus, 45°C coliforms and 35°C coliforms. All the samples were contaminated with 45°C coliforms and 35°C coliforms, in numbers that varied from 1,5x103 to 2,4x105 and 1,5x103 to 9,3x104 NMP/mL, respectively. The presence of E.coli was confirmed in four samples. The S. aureus count varied from 2,5x102 to 2x106. Regarding to research of Salmonella, were verified cultures with positive reaction into triple sugar iron and Lysine iron agars, in 93,3% of the samples, suggestive of bacteria belonged to that genus. The results of these analyses indicated that the sold of raw milk poses risks to the health of the population, besides this is an illegal practice in cities that have milk processing plants.