Gentili AR, Marzocca MA, Oriani AS, Baldini MD

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 9-15
PDF size: 192.86 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The sale of ready-to-eat salads increased in recent years. Since 2012, the Código Alimentario Argentino (CAA), Art. 925 quater, regulates its microbiological quality. Objective: To evaluate the bacteriological quality of grated carrot and to study the reduction of bacterial counts applying washing with tap water, disinfection with sodium hypochlorite and with a vinegar solution. Methods: Thirty grated carrot samples were analyzed and the above-mentioned treatments were applied. A nonparametric Friedman test was performed to evaluate the differences. Results: 50% of the samples expended did not achieve the requirements of the CAA for Escherichia coli. The percentage dropped to 45 with a previous-wash or treatment with vinegar. No differences were found between these treatments. When disinfection with hypochlorite was done 15% more reached the requirements and this treatment showed highly significant differences with the rest (p ‹ 0,01) . Salmonella was found in 7 % of the samples and were eliminated with hypochlorite. E.coli O157 was not detected. 100% of the samples showed Staphylococcus aureus counts less than 2500 UFC.g^-1, which do not constitute a potential risk. Discussion: It should be pointed out the importance of the microbiological quality of raw material, since the 35% of the samples do not reach the requirements even applying the treatment with hypochlorite. Appropriate labeling is necessary to avoid leaving up to consumers criteria the food handling. The implementation of Good Agricultural Practices and Manufacturing would contribute to safe food, and of better microbiological quality.