EVALUATION OF MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF CHICKEN SOLD IN THE CITY OF PONTA GROSSA – PARANA

Abstract

This study evaluated the sanitary conditions of refrigerated chicken cuts sold at five selling points in the city of Ponta Grossa-PR. Fifty samples from 10 lots were analyzed from March to May 2008. The following microbiological analyses were conducted: determination of the most probable number of total coliforms, coliforms at 45°C/g, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus spp, plate counts of aerobic mesophiles, Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi; survey for Salmonella spp and Pseudomonas spp. The results showed contamination of fecal origin ranging from 0.31 to 655 MPN/g, therefore within the standards established by the current law. The presence of Salmonella spp was negative in all samples. In general, the results showed microorganism counts lower than those established by the current law, which attests to the good sanitary quality of chicken meat sold in the city.