Microbiological quality of Minas frescal cheese traded in Zona da Mata Mineira

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of Minas frescal cheese traded in Zona da Mata Mineira, Brazil. The samples were collected at six cities: Juiz de Fora (33), Cataguases (7), Itamarati de Minas (4), Belmiro Braga (2), Bicas (2) and Rio Pomba (2), totaling 50 brands, being 43 of industrial production and seven informal. Analyses of pH, Aw, coliforms at 35 ºC and 45 ºC, Escherichia coli, coagulase positive staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella sp. were held in the period from October 2015 to January 2016. The pH values ranged from 4,98 to 7,14, and Aw from 0,989 to 0,904. All samples, regardless of origin, showed coliform at 35 ºC, with values ranging between 1,5 x 101 a 1,1 x 106 NMP/g. Among samples, 20 (40%) showed the Most Probable Number of coliforms at 45 ºC above the maximum limit set by Brazilian law, with a rate of 1,2 x 105 MPN/g. The presence of E. coli was confirmed in 16 (32%) samples. Counts of coagulase positive staphylococci were also above the limit accepted in 16 (32%) samples, and 10 (20%) presented S. aureus. It was not detected L. monocytogenes in any sample, however, Salmonella sp. was confirmed in 20 (40%) samples. It was verified that only 11 (22%) samples were in accordance with Brazilian legislation. Therefore, the Minas frescal cheese commercialized in the region presented low microbiological quality, suggesting deficiencies in the processing, transport, storage and/or commercialization and danger to human health.