Physicochemical, microbiological and microscopic evaluation of artisanal rapaduras produced in Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil/ Avaliacao fisico-quimica, microbiologica e microscopica de rapaduras artesanais produzidas na cidade de Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brasil

The aim of this work was the physicochemical, microbiological and microscopic evaluation of artisanal rapaduras produced in Cuiaba, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The determination of the proximal composition, pH and the microscopic analyses were made according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The concentrations of minerals and toxic metals were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The Coliforms at 45°C and Salmonella sp. were determined according to the American Public Health Association (APHA). The results obtained were: moisture (6.09 to 16.34%), ash (0.07 to 1.88%), insoluble solids (0.11 to 11.3%), pH (4.73 to 5.61), proteins (0.21 to 0.47%), sucrose (13.15 to 43.89%), and reducing sugars (10.96 to 26.28%). Significant differences were found between the samples (p ≤ 0.05) as well as nonconformities in relation to national regulations. The mineral contents showed significant differences between lots of samples (p ≤ 0.05) and some lots presented Cd and Pb concentrations above the maximum values allowed by Brazilian legislation. High quantities of unwanted materials were detected and none of the samples presented microbiological contamination. The results suggest the creation of technical standards for quality control for the production of rapaduras to ensure food safety. Keywords: quality, food safety, non-centrifugal sugar, chemical composition. O objetivo deste trabalho foi a avaliacao fisico-quimica, microbiologica e microscopica de rapaduras artesanais produzidas em Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brasil. A determinacao da composicao proximal, pH e as analises microscopicas foram feitas de acordo com a Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). As concentracoes dos minerais e metais toxicos foram quantificadas por espectrometria de absorcao atomica em chama. Os Coliformes a 45oC e Salmonella SP foram determinados de acordo com a American Public Health Association (APHA). Os resultados obtidos foram: umidade (6,09 a 16,34%), cinzas (0,07 a 1,88%), solidos insoluveis (0,11 a 11,3%), pH (4,73 a 5,61), proteinas (0,21 a 0,47%), sacarose (13,15 a 43,89%) e acucares redutores (10,96 a 26,28%). Diferencas significativas foram encontradas (p ≤ 0,05) entre as amostras, bem como, inconformidades em relacao a regulacoes nacionais. O conteudo mineral apresentou diferencas significativas entre os lotes das amostras (p ≤ 0,05) e alguns destes apresentaram concentracoes de Cd e Pb acima dos valores maximos permitidos pela Legisla