Leite informal: avaliação da qualidade e riscos para saúde pública

Abstract

Milk is one of the most complete foods because it has a high nutritional value, being a source of proteins, vitamins, fats, minerals, carbohydrates and water. Due to its rich composition, milk becomes essential for the human diet, which is why it is widely marketed and consumed by the population, especially by children and the elderly. However, it carries a risk of spreading pathogens linked to the health of animals and, also because it is an adequate means for the development and multiplication of various microorganisms, due to its chemical composition and pH close to neutrality. Several frauds in raw milk are used to mask the low quality of milk, mainly in the product sold in the informal market. The objective of the work was to verify in informal milk samples the occurrence of fraud and contamination that cause risks to the consumer's health. To this end, 33 samples of milk sold in the cities of Juiz de Fora (516 thousand inhabitants), Lavras (92 thousand inhabitants) and Ijaci (5 thousand inhabitants), MG, were collected. Informal milks were sold in grocery stores and by sellers who deliver at home using motorbikes, carts and cars. The collection of milk samples was carried out by means of an active search on the streets of cities and by recommendations from consumers. Physical-chemical and microbiological analyzes were carried out to assess the quality and occurrence of fraud in raw milk. It was observed that eleven samples showed alteration in density, ten in non-fat solids, eight in total solids and twelve samples with acidity outside the parameters allowed by the current legislation. In the microbiological analyzes it was verified that all the samples presented growth of mesophilic aerobes, 28 samples with growth of total coliforms and 32 of Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, seven (21.21%) showed growth of Escherichia coli, one of which was isolated and identified by Brucella abortus using PCR AMOS. In real-time PCR, one sample was considered suspect for Mycobacterium bovis and nine for Brucella. Through the analysis of milk it was verified the importance of consuming inspected products, heat treated according to the legislation. Fraud and high contamination by pathogens of public health importance were observed. The microbiological control of milk and dairy products is extremely important for the consumer's health. It is necessary to make the population aware of the importance of consuming inspected animal products.