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Copyright Instituto de Tecnologia de Alimentos (ITAL) Jul-Sep 2013

Abstract

The Brazilian retail exposes the dried salted cod, whole or portioned, without refrigeration. This condition is traditionally accepted by consumers, but contrary to the manufacturer specifications to keep the product refrigerated, which often create conflicts between health authorities and traders. Given this fact, this study evaluated microbiological parameters and physicochemical properties of 56 samples of cod collected in São Paulo, stored refrigerated (0 °C to 5 °C) and room temperature (20 °C to 25 °C), for 0, 7 and 14 storage days. Samples ere grouped into four categories: (A) refrigerated non-manipulated samples and (B), (C) and (D) manipulated, respectively, with 0, 7 and 14 days of storage at ambient temperature. The ambient temperature ranged from 20.5 °C to 23.5 °C and relative humidity from 52.5 to 67 %. The following investigations were conducted: positive coagulase Staphylococcus, Clostridium sulfite reducer, total and thermotolerant coliforms, Salmonella spp, molds, yeasts and halophilic bacterias. The following physicochemical analyzes were carried out: moisture, pH, water activity (Aw) and ash. The microbiological results presented no differences between the four categories and respected the limits established by Brazilian legislation. Regarding physicochemical analyzes, they also showed no statistical differences among the four categories. The average results for each category were: A: 54.9 % of moisture,Aw = 0.748, pH = 6.0, B: 54.0 % of moisture, Aw= 0.749, pH = 6.0, C: 49.1 % of moisture, Aw= 0.749, pH = 6.0 and for D: 50.7 % of moisture, Aw = 0.748, pH = 6.0 and 21.6 % of ash. All moisture results were above the standard threshold (35 %); pH results were according to the limits (6-7) and the ash results were according to the legislation limit (min. 12 %). Regarding to Aw, the figures suggest that this is an important barrier to microbial growth and, although there is no standard limits for this parameter, it is necessary to determine a reference threshold for it. We conclude that, under the conditions of the present study, the trade of dried salted cod, kept refrigerated or at ambient temperature for 14 days offer the same health and safety conditions for the consumer. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Details

Title
Qualidade do bacalhau salgado seco comercializado em temperatura ambiente e refrigerado/Quality parameters of salt-dried codfish stored at both refrigerated and ambient temperatures
Author
Baltazar, Camila; Sanches, Sandra Abelardo; Telles, Evelise Oliveira; Merusse, José Luiz Bernardino; Balian, Simone de Carvalho
Pages
236-242
Publication year
2013
Publication date
Jul-Sep 2013
Publisher
Instituto de Tecnologia de Alimentos (ITAL)
ISSN
15167275
e-ISSN
19816723
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
Portuguese
ProQuest document ID
1467750422
Copyright
Copyright Instituto de Tecnologia de Alimentos (ITAL) Jul-Sep 2013