Análises microbiológicas de filés de tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus) comercializados no mercado público do município de Santa Cruz-RN

Abstract

Microbiological analyzes of tilapia fillets (Oreochromis niloticus) commercialized in the public market in the city of Santa Cruz-RN

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze the microbiological quality of tilapia fillets (Oreochromis niloticus) commercialized in the city of Santa Cruz - RN, comparing the obtained results with the current parameters. The analyzes of aerobic mesophilic, total and thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella sp were performed in duplicate in four samples of tilapia fillets sold in the public market. The count of aerobic mesophilic bacteria ranged from 1.56 x 103 to 1.2 x 105 CFU/g, total coliforms ranged from 240 to >1100 MPN/g and thermotolerant coliform ranged from 23 to 460 MPN/g. It was not detected presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella sp. was present in half of the sample. Due to this last parameter, defined in the presence or absence in order to demonstrate the suitability for consumption, it can be concluded that the fillets with presence of Salmonella sp. are unfit for consumption, representing a potential risk to consumer health, because of the likelihood of infections and foodborne poisoning. The likely failure of the good practice principles by the traders/handlers favored contamination. Therefore, it is suggested the implementation of a continuous monitoring program of the quality of the fish.