Combined treatment of pulsed light and nisin-organic acid based antimicrobial wash for inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Romaine lettuce, reduction of microbial loads, and retention of quality.

Microbial safety of fresh produce continues to be a major concern. Novel antimicrobial methods are needed to minimize the risk of contamination. This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of pulsed light (PL), a novel nisin-organic acid based antimicrobial wash (AW) and the synergy thereof in inactivating E. coli O157:H7 on Romaine lettuce. Treatment effects on background microbiota and produce quality during storage at 4 °C for 7 days was also investigated. A bacterial cocktail containing three outbreak strains of E. coli O157:H7 was used as inoculum. Lettuce leaves were spot inoculated on the surface before treating with PL (1-60 s), AW (2 min) or combinations of PL with AW. PL treatment for 10 s, equivalent to fluence dose of 10.5 J/cm2, was optimal and resulted in 2.3 log CFU/g reduction of E. coli O157:H7, while a 2 min AW treatment, provided a comparable pathogen reduction of 2.2 log CFU/g. Two possible treatment sequences of PL and AW combinations were investigated. For PL-AW combination, inoculated lettuce leaves were initially exposed to optimum PL dose followed by 2 min AW treatment, whereas for AW-PL combination, inoculated lettuce were subjected to 2 min AW treatment prior to 10 s PL treatment. Both combination treatments (PL-AW and AW-PL) resulted in synergistic inactivation as E. coli cells were not detectable after treatment, indicating >5 log pathogen reductions. Combination treatments significantly (P < 0.05) reduced spoilage microbial populations on Romaine lettuce and also hindered their growth in storage for 7 days. The firmness and visual quality appearance of lettuce were not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced due to combination treatments. Overall, the results reveal that PL and AW combination treatments can be implemented as a novel approach to enhance microbial safety, quality and shelf life of Romaine lettuce.

Detection of enteropathogens and research of pesticide residues in Lactuca sativa from traditional and agroecological fairs / Detecção de enteropatógenos e pesquisa de resíduos de agrotóxicos em Lactuca sativa de feiras tradicionais e agroecológicas

Agroecological production represents a new reality in vegetable farming. Thus, the study aimed to search for the presence of pesticides in agroecological samples and microbiological and parasitological contamination in Lactuca sativa L. of agroecological and conventional fairs in Alagoas. Thirty-two samples were collected, a hygienic sanitary checklist was performed, along with coliform, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus research and Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) for pesticide research; using two methodologies for parasitological studies. Thirty-two samples were analyzed, with a sanitary adequacy level at 45% and 38% for fairs (agroecological and conventional) respectively, with three samples (9.4%) in total, being adequate to the microbiological pattern according to RDC no. 12/2001. Among the 23 samples which were tested positive for parasites, 69.5% originated from samples extracted at conventional fairs, and 53% of every positive samples presented Entamoeba coli as the main contaminant. All together, no traces of deltamethrin were detected, but in two of the samples a peak retention for diphenoconazole was detected. In conclusion, the fairs represent an adequate environment for human pathogens and indicators. Therefore greater hygiene training of vegetable traders and consumers in the state of Alagoa sis required, especially in conventional fairs, which presented more critical microbiological and parasitological indexes comparing to fairs with agroecological products; however, the presence of difenoconazole in two samples of agricultural fairs suggests accidental contamination or indiscriminate use of this chemical in the production of Lactuca sativa, however, products with agroecological origin represents a better choice for the consumers.

A produção agroecológica representa uma nova realidade no cultivo das hortaliças. Assim, o estudo teve como objetivo verificar a presença de agrotóxicos em amostras agroecológicas e analisar a contaminação microbiológico e parasitológico em Lactuca sativa L. de feiras agroecológicas e convencionais de Alagoas. Foram coletadas 32 amostras, realizando checklist higiênico-sanitário, análises de coliformes, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus e Cromatografia Gasosa com Espectrômetro de Massas (GC-MS) para pesquisa de agrotóxicos; utilizando-se duas metodologias para estudos parasitológicos. Foram analisadas 32 amostras, com nível de adequação sanitária de 45% e 38% para feiras (agroecológicas e convencionais) respectivamente, sendo três amostras no total (9,4%) adequadas a padrão microbiológico segundo RDC n° 12//2001; Dentre as 23 amostras positivas para parasitos, 69,5% teve origem em amostras de feiras convencionais, e 53% de todas as amostras positivas apresentaram Entamoeba coli como principal contaminante, juntamente, não foi detectado traços de deltametrina, porem foi visualizado em duas amostras, pico de retenção para padrão de difenoconazol. Concluindo-se que as feiras representam um ambiente adequado para patógenos humanos e indicadores, necessitando de uma maior higienização e treinamento dos comerciantes e consumidores de hortaliças do estado de Alagoas, principalmente em feiras convencionais, que apresentaram índices microbiológicos e parasitológicos mais críticos em relação a feiras com produtos agroecológicos; mas, a presença de difenoconazole em duas amostras de feiras agroecológicas sugerem contaminação acidental ou uso indiscriminado deste químico em produção da Lactuca sativa L., todavia os produtos de origem agroecológica representam uma melhor escolha para o consumidor.

Occurrence and diversity of ciliated protozoa in the most commonly consumed leafy greens in Brazil: a qualitative study / Ocorrência e diversidade de protozoários ciliados nos vegetais folhosos mais consumidos no Brasil: um estudo qualitativo

Ciliated protozoa are an ubiquitous group of eukaryotes that have been poorly reported on leafy greens. The present study aimed to verify the occurrence and diversity of ciliated protozoa in the leaves and roots of three of the most commonly consumed leafy greens in Brazil – lettuce, rocket and coriander. The vegetable samples were washed by manual agitation (3 minutes) in two different media (mineral water and Page ́s Amoeba Saline solution). After washing, the contents were incubated in Petri dishes and aliquots were removed for microscopic identification and in vivo observation. A total of 21 ciliated protozoa species were found, most of which were bacterivorous. Leafy greens have commonly been associated with foodborne outbreaks and ciliated protozoa, which although they are not a Public Health concern, can act as “Trojan Horses” harboring bacteria, viruses and other protozoa cysts and oocysts and can suggest a new route towards microbiological quality related to the food chain. This is the first report of ciliated protozoa on leafy greens consumed in Brazil.

Os protozoários ciliados constituem um grupo onipresente de eucariotos pouco relatados em vegetais folhosos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar a ocorrência e a diversidade de protozoários ciliados nas folhas e raízes de três dos vegetais folhosos mais consumidos no Brasil - alface, rúcula e coentro. As amostras de vegetais foram lavadas por agitação manual (3 minutos) em dois meios diferentes (água mineral e Solução Salina para Ameba). Após a lavagem, o conteúdo foi incubado em placas de Petri e alíquotas foram retiradas para identificação microscópica e observação in vivo dos organismos. Um total de 21 espécies de protozoários ciliados foi encontrado, a maioria das quais era bacterívora. Tais hortaliças têm sido comumente associadas a surtos transmitidos por alimentos e os protozoários ciliados que, embora não sejam um problema de saúde pública, podem atuar como “Cavalos de Tróia” ao abrigar bactérias, vírus além de cistos e oocistos de protozoários o que pode sugerir uma nova rota para a avaliação da qualidade microbiológica relacionada à cadeia alimentar. Este é o primeiro relato de protozoários ciliados em folhas verdes consumidas no Brasil.

Análise microbiológica e parasitológica de alfaces in natura obtida de três cidades do interior de Mato Grosso do Sul – MS

Alimentar-se de forma segura e saudável nas últimas décadas pode ser um desafio para toda a população. Isso porque cada vez mais se busca ingerir alimentos de origem vegetal ou in natura. Entretanto, os procedimentos de higienização e controle de contaminantes precisam ser realizados de forma eficientes. Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a presença de contaminantes microbiológicos e parasitários em alfaces obtidos do cultivo tradicional e hidropônico de três cidades do interior de Mato Grosso do Sul. A maioria das amostras independente do tipo de cultivo apresentaram quantidades superiores aos limites estabelecidos pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária quanto a presença de coliformes termotolerantes, entretanto, apenas uma das amostras obtidas (cultivo hidropônico) apresentou contaminantes parasitário (Strongyloides stercolaris). Os dados obtidos demonstram a importância do emprego de métodos de higienização por parte dos consumidores previamente ao consumo para evitar contaminantes advindos dessa fonte alimentar. Outro ponto interessante é que os procedimentos de controle higiênicosanitário devem ser empregados independentes da forma do cultivo das hortaliças adquiridas para consumo.

Eating safely and healthily in recent decades can be a challenge for the entire population. This is because more and more people are looking to eat foods of plant origin or fresh. However, the procedures for cleaning and controlling contaminants need to be carried out efficiently. Thus, the objective of this work was to verify the presence of microbiological and parasitic contaminants in lettuces obtained from the traditional and hydroponic cultivation of three cities in the interior of Mato Grosso do Sul. by the National Health Surveillance Agency regarding the presence of thermotolerant coliforms, however, only one of the samples obtained (hydroponic cultivation) presented parasitic contaminants (Strongyloides stercolaris). The data obtained demonstrate the importance of using hygiene methods by consumers prior to consumption to avoid contaminants from this food source. Another interesting point is that the hygienic-sanitary control procedures should be used regardless of the form of cultivation of vegetables purchased for consumption.

Avaliação da qualidade sanitária de alfaces americanas utilizadas na elaboração de lanches em franquias de fast-food / Evaluation of the sanitary quality of lettuce used in the elaboration of meals in fast-food franchises

A população brasileira realiza muitas refeições em franquias de fast-food e a alface é o vegetal mais utilizado nas preparações. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade sanitária das alfaces minimamente processadas utilizadas nas franquias de fast-food instaladas em Goiânia. Foram coletadas três amostras de cinco redes diferentes, identificadas como A, B, C, D, e E, e encaminhadas para pesquisa de matéria estranha e análise microbiológica de Coliformes Termotolerantes (CF), Escherichia coli e Salmonella sp. Apenas as franquias A e B possuíam alfaces próprias para consumo. As amostras obtidas das franquias C, D e E apresentaram contagens de CF > 1100 NMP/g e presença de E. coli, assim como matéria estranha, como insetos e parasitas (Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Ancilostomídeos e Paramecium sp.).

Microbiological assessment of lettuce salads and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus spp / Evalución microbiológica de ensaladas de lechuga y perfil de resistencia antimicrobiana de staphylococcus spp

Introduction: self-service restaurants in which food is served ready to be consumed are liable to have some products contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms causing food-transmitted diseases. Aim: evaluates the microbiological quality of lettuce salads in restaurants in Pelotas RS Brazil by counts of thermo-tolerant coliforms, E. coli, Staphylococcus spp. and detection of Salmonella spp. Antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus spp. isolates are also assessed. Methods: thirty-six samples of lettuce salads were collected from nine restaurants and thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. were quantified, coupled to a research on Salmonella spp., following methodology by the Bacteriological Analytical Manual. Staphylococcus spp. isolates underwent antimicrobial resistance test by the disc-diffusion method. Results and discussion: results showed that 61.1% of the salad samples contained more thermotolerant coliforms than allowed by Brazilian legislation and E. coli was confirmed in 5.6% of the samples. Positive and negative coagulase Staphylococcus occurred respectively in 5.6% and 77.8% of isolates, but no sample had Salmonella spp. Further, 56.7% of the thirty isolates of Staphylococcus spp. tested were resistant to penicillin; 46.7% to oxacillin; 26.7% to erythromycin and 23.3% were multi-resistant. Conclusion: inadequate quality of the salad was due to pathogenic microorganisms, while Staphylococcus spp. isolates had a high percentage of antimicrobial resistance (AU)

Introducción: la procura por estabelecimientos que ofrecen alimentos prontos para consumo ha aumentado, sin embrago, los alimentos disponibles en estos locales pueden estar contaminados con microorganismos patogénicos, pudiendo causar enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos. Objetivos: evaluar la calidad microbiológica de las ensaladas de lechuga en los restaurantes de Pelotas RS Brasil, a través de los recuentos de coliformes termotolerantes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp. y la detección de Salmonella spp. Resistencia a los antimicrobianos de Staphylococcus spp. también se evalúan. Métodos: fueron colectadas 36 muestras de ensaladas de lechuga en nueve restaurantes y realizada la cuantificación de coliformes termotolerantes, Escherichia coli y Staphylococcus spp. e investigación de Salmonella spp., siguiendo la metodología del Bacteriological Analytical Manual. Los aislados de Staphylococcus spp. fueron sometidos al examen de resistencia a antimicrobianos por el método de difusión con discos. Resultados y discusión: de las 36 muestras de ensalada de lechuga, 61,1% presentaron cuantificación de coliformes termotolerantes superiores a lo permitido por la legislación brasileña, y hubo confirmación de E. coli en 5,6% de las muestras. La cuantificación de Staphylococcus coagulasa positiva representó 5,6% de los aislados y Staphylococcus coagulasa negativa representó 77,8%. Todas las muestras presentaron ausencia de Salmonella spp. De los 30 aislados de Staphylococcus spp. examinados, 56,7% fueron resistentes a penicilina, 46,7% a oxacilina, 26,7% a eritromicina y 23,3% fueron multirresistentes. Conclusión: la calidad microbiológica de las ensaladas de lechuga se mostró inadecuada debido a la presencia de microorganismos patogénicos, y los aislados de Staphylococcus spp. presentaron elevado porcentaje de resistencia antimicrobiana (AU)

Qualidade parasitológica e condições higiênico-sanitárias de sururu (Mytella charruana) e alface (Lactuca sativa) comercializados em um mercado público de Maceió-AL / Parasitological quality and hygienic-sanitary conditions of mussels (Charruana mytella) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) sold at a public market Maceió-AL

As Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos são síndromes originadas pela ingestão de alimentos e/ou água, que contenham agentes etiológicos em quantidades tais que afetem a saúde do consumidor. Assim, o estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência de parasitos, bactérias do grupo coliformes totais e fecais em amostras de alfaces e sururu comercializadas em um mercado público de Maceió-AL. Foram avaliados 13 pés de alfaces e 20 amostras de sururu que foram obtidas de diferentes boxes e acondicionadas individualmente em sacos plásticos estéreis. Para a análise parasitológica, as amostras de sururu e alface foram pesadas (50g), posteriormente submetidas à lavagem manual com 300 mL de água destilada. Em seguida, a água da lavagem foi recolhida em recipiente apropriado e esta foi analisada por duas técnicas de detecção de parasitos: sedimentação espontânea e centrifugação simples. Para analise microbiológica das amostras de alface e sururu foi utilizada a técnica do número mais provável, utilizando caldo Lauril Sulfato Triptose para o teste presuntivo, caldo verde brilhante e caldo Escherichia coli para o teste confirmativo. Dentre as amostras, 84,39% apresentaram larvas da família Rhabdiasidae, e 15,61% das amostras foram negativas, não foram identificadas estruturas parasitárias no sururu avaliado. Na análise microbiológica todas as amostras de alface e sururu apresentaram-se com resultados de >1100 NMP/g para bactérias do grupo coliformes indicando que esses produtos possuem contaminação microbiológica alta, não devendo ser ingeridos por crianças, idosos e pacientes imunocomprometidos. Estes dados indicam a necessidade da orientação dos manipuladores quanto à higienização no preparo de alfaces e sururu pelos consumidores.

The Foodborne Diseases syndromes are caused by the ingestion of food and / or water containing etiologic agents in such quantities that affect the health of the consumer. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of parasites, bacteria total coliform and fecal samples of lettuce and mussels sold in a public market Maceió-AL. 13 feet of lettuce and 20 samples of mussels that were collected from different boxes and individually wrapped in sterile plastic bags were evaluated. For parasitological analysis, the samples were weighed mussels and lettuce (50g) subsequently subjected to manual washing with 300 ml of distilled water. Then, the wash water was collected in an appropriate container, and this was analyzed by two techniques for detection of parasites: single spontaneous sedimentation and centrifugation. For microbiological analysis of samples of lettuce and mussels to the most probable number was used, using broth Lauryl Sulfate Tryptose presumptive test, bright green soup and broth Escherichia coli for the confirmatory test. Among the samples, 84.39 % were larvae Rhabdiasidae family, and 15.61 % of samples were negative, parasitic structures were not identified in the assessed mussels. Microbiological analysis in all samples of lettuce and mussels presented with results of > 1100 MPN / g for coliform bacteria indicates that these products have high microbiological contamination and should not be ingested by children , elderly and immunocompromised patients. These data indicate the need for guidance as to the hygiene of food handlers in the preparation of lettuces and mussels by consumers.

Alternative sanitization methods for minimally processed lettuce in comparison to sodium hypochlorite

Lettuce is a leafy vegetable widely used in industry for minimally processed products, in which the step of sanitization is the crucial moment for ensuring a safe food for consumption. Chlorinated compounds, mainly sodium hypochlorite, are the most used in Brazil, but the formation of trihalomethanes from this sanitizer is a drawback. Then, the search for alternative methods to sodium hypochlorite has been emerging as a matter of great interest. The suitability of chlorine dioxide (60 mg L-1/10 min), peracetic acid (100 mg L-1/15 min) and ozonated water (1.2 mg L-1 /1 min) as alternative sanitizers to sodium hypochlorite (150 mg L-1 free chlorine/15 min) were evaluated. Minimally processed lettuce washed with tap water for 1 min was used as a control. Microbiological analyses were performed in triplicate, before and after sanitization, and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 days of storage at 2 ± 1 ºC with the product packaged on LDPE bags of 60 µm. It was evaluated total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., psicrotrophic and mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and molds. All samples of minimally processed lettuce showed absence of E. coli and Salmonella spp. The treatments of chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid and ozonated water promoted reduction of 2.5, 1.1 and 0.7 log cycle, respectively, on count of microbial load of minimally processed product and can be used as substitutes for sodium hypochlorite. These alternative compounds promoted a shelf-life of six days to minimally processed lettuce, while the shelf-life with sodium hypochlorite was 12 days.

Detection of CDT toxin genes in Campylobacter spp. strains isolated from broiler carcasses and vegetables in São Paulo, Brazil

Campylobacteriosis is a worldwide distributed zoonosis. One of the main virulence factors related to Campylobacter spp. in animals and humans is the cytolethal distending toxin (CDT), encoded by three adjacent genes (cdtA, cdtB, cdtC). The occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in samples of vegetables has not been reported in Brazil yet, and has seldom been described in the international literature. The detection of CDT in these strains has not been reported, either. The objectives of the present study were to determine the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. strains carrying virulence factors in samples of poultry and vegetables (lettuce and spinach) from different points of sale, thus verifying if vegetables are as an important vehicle for potentially virulent Campylobacter spp. strains as poultry. Twenty four strains were identified as Campylobacter jejuni by phenotypic and genotypic methods: 22 from broiler carcasses and two from lettuce samples. Three strains were identified as Campylobacter coli: two from broiler carcasses and one from lettuce. The presence of the cdt genes were detected in 20/24 (83.3%) C. jejuni strains, and 3/3 (100%) C. coli strains. The isolation of Campylobacter spp. strains with the cdt gene cluster in lettuce samples points to a new possible source of contamination, which could have an impact in the vegetable production chain and risk to public health. Results show that potentially virulent C. jejuni and C. coli strains remain viable in samples of broiler carcasses and vegetables at the points of sale.

Distribución de serotipos de Listeria monocytogenes aislados de alimentos, Colombia, 2000-2009 / Distribution of Listeria monocytogenes serotypes isolated from foods, Colombia, 2000-2009

Introducción. Listeria monocytogenes es un patógeno facultativo intracelular, oportunista, causante de graves infecciones en humanos, como meningitis, encefalitis y bacteriemias; también, es causa de abortos. Los alimentos actúan como medio de transporte para infectar al huésped. La serotipificación ha discriminado trece serotipos: 1/2a,1/2b, 1/2c, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4ab, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 7. El 4b es causante de la mayoría de listeriosis en el mundo. Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia en Colombia de los serotipos de L. monocytogenes aislados de alimentos, durante los años 2000-2009. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se analizaron 1.599 aislamientos, los cuales fueron confirmados como L. monocytogenes y otras especies de Listeria, con pruebas bioquímicas recomendadas por la Food and Drug Administration (Estados unidos) y utilización del sistema bioquímico api Listeria Biomérieux,serotipificadas con la metodología de Seeliger y Höhne. Resultados. De los 1.599 aislamientos, 1.424 fueron confirmados como L. monocytogenes. Los serotipos encontrados fueron: 1/2a con 135 (9,5 %); 1/2b, 154 (10,8 %); 1/2c, 68 (4,8 %); 3a, 4 (0,3 %); 3b, 29 (2,0 %); 3c,2 (0,1 %); 4a, 44 (3,1 %); 4b, 820 (57,6 %); 4c, 6 (0,4 %); 4d- 4e, 140 (9,8 %); 4e, 17 (1,2 %); 7, 2 (0,1 %); y tres no serotipificables, (0,2 %). Los aislamientos procedían principalmente de Bogotá, 1.035 (73 %); de Antioquia, 199 (14 %); de Nariño, 109 (8 %); del Valle del Cauca, 50 (3,5 %), y de otros departamentos, 33 (2,3 %). Conclusión. En los aislamientos analizados, 1.424 (89 %) correspondieron a L. monocytogenes, presentando una buena calidad en el aislamiento e identificación; la mayoría de estos aislamientos pertenecían al serotipo 4b, 820 (57,6 %), serotipo muy virulento. Se recomienda la vigilancia obligatoria de este microorganismo.

Introduction. Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular, opportunistic pathogen which can cause severe infections such as meningitis, encephalitis and bacteremia. It can also cause abortions in human beings. Foods are the vehicle for infection of the host. Serotypification has discriminated 13 serotypes: 1/2a,1/2b, 1/2c, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4ab, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 7. 4b is the cause of the majority of cases of listeriosis in the world. Objective. The frequency of serotypes of L. monocytogenes was determined in bacteria isolated from foods in Colombia. Materials and methods. The study is descriptive and retrospective. Over a 10-year period, 2000-2009, 1,599 isolates were examined. All were confirmed as Listeria monocytogenes and other strains of Listeria, using biochemical tests recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (USA) and API Listeria and serotyped using the Seeliger and Höhne method. Results. Of the 1,599 isolates, 1,424 were confirmed as L. monocytogenes. Serotypes identified were: 1/2a, 135 (9.5%); 1/2b, 154 (10.8%); 1/2c, 68 (4.8%); 3a, 4 (0.3%); 3b, 29 (2.0%); 3c, 2 (0.1%); 4a, 44 (3.1%); 4b, 820 (57.6%); 4c, 6 (0.4%); 4d- 4e, 140 (9.8%); 4e, 17 (1.2%); 7, 2 (0.1%); not susceptible of serotypification, three cases, (0.2%). Isolates came mainly from the Capital District of Bogotá, 1,035 (73%); from Antioquia 199 (14%), from Nariño, 109 (8%); from Valle del Cauca 50 (3,5%) and from other provinces 33 (2.3%). Conclusion. Of the analyzed isolates, 1,424 (89%) belonged to L. monocytogenes, showing a good quality in isolation and identification. Most of these isolates belonged to serotype 4b, 820 (57.6%), a highly virulent serotype. Obligatory surveillance of this microorganism is recommended.

Avaliação microbiológica e parasitológica de alfaces comercializadas no município de São Luís, MA / Evaluation of microbiological and parasitological lettuce commercialized in São Luís, MA

A alface (Lactuca sativa) é a hortaliça folhosa mais comercializada no Brasil. Seu baixo valor calórico a qualifica para diversas dietas, o que favorece o seu consumo sob a forma crua, possibilitando a ocorrência de enfermidades intestinais. O estudo objetivou avaliar a qualidade microbiológica e parasitológica das alfaces comercializadas em supermercados e feiras da cidade de São Luís, MA. Para avaliar a qualidade microbiológica do produto foi utilizada a técnica do NMP (Número Mais Provável) e Pesquisa de Salmonella spp. A análise parasitológica foi realizada pelo método de Hoffman com alterações. As alfaces de todos os estabelecimentos apresentaram índices de coliformes termotolerantes acima do permitido pela legislação e apenas dois estabelecimentos apresentaram pesquisa de Salmonella spp positiva. A presença de cistos de Giárdia lamblia e Entamoeba coli foi detectada penas nas amostras dos supermercados.

Efecto biofertilizante del preparado: residuos vegetales - bacteria nativa diazótrofa, sobre las variables biométricas en plántulas de Rhapanus sativus / Biofertilizer effect of the prepared from vegetales wastes - diazotroph native bacterium on biometrics variables of Rhapanus sativus seedlings

El uso de bioinoculantes a base de microorganismos con potencial biofertilizante representa una alternativa económicamente viable y de producción limpia para el sector agrícola. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el efecto biofertilizante de un preparado elaborado con residuos sólidos vegetales (RSV) procedentes del mercado y la bacteria nativa diazótrofa Azotobacter A15M2G. Se elaboraron biopreparados utilizando diferentes concentraciones de bacteria (106, 107 y 108 UFC) en un medio de cultivo obtenido a partir del 25% p/v de cada uno de los siguientes RSV: Brassica oleracea (repollo), Lactuca sativa (lechuga) y Allium fistulosum (cebollín). Los biopreparados fueron evaluados en plantas de rábano (Rhapanus sativus) en invernadero, utilizando un diseño estadístico completamente al azar de 5 tratamientos con 3 repeticiones: T1, control; T2, semillas pregerminadas tratadas con RSV al 25% p/v; T3, semillas pregerminadas con bioinoculante de 106 UFC; T4, semillas pregerminadas con bioinoculante de 107 UFC; T5, semillas pregerminadas con bioinoculante de 108 UFC. Se evaluó: número de hojas, área foliar, longitud de la planta, longitud de la raíz y peso seco de toda la planta (ensayos por triplicado). Se observó un incremento altamente significativo en peso seco para T5 (0,88 g) y T4 (1,10 g); y diferencias significativas en el área foliar, para los mismos tratamientos, con un valor superior a 2000 cm2. El biopreparado con bacterias nativas y RSV mejoró el crecimiento y desarrollo de las plantas de rábano, pudiéndose dar un valor agregado a estos residuos y de esta manera obtener un biofertilizante potencialmente utilizable en otros cultivos.

The use of bioinoculantes from microorganisms with biofertilizer potential, represents an economically viable alternative and of clean production for the agricultural sector. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of biofertilizer preparation obtained from vegetable solid waste (RSV) of the market and the native bacteria Azotobacter A15M2G diazotroph.Biological cultures were prepared using different inoculum concentrations, 106, 107 y 108 UFC in a culture medium obtained from 25% w / v of each of the following substrates: Brassica oleracea (cabbage), Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Allium fistulosum (chives). The microbial inoculants were evaluated in radish plants (Rhapanus sativus) in greenhouse using a completely randomized design of 5 treatments with 3 replicates: T1, pre-germinated seeds without any treatment; T2, pre-germinated seeds treated with the dye waste vegetables 25% w / v; T3, pre-germinated seeds treated with bacterial concentration bioinoculants to 106 UFC; T4, pre-germinated seeds treated with bacterial concentration bioinoculants to 107 UFC, and T5, pre-germinated seeds treated with bacterial concentration bioinoculants to 108 UFC. Assessed variables were: number of leaves, leaf area, plant length, root length and dry weight of the entire plant (all assays in triplicate). The results showed a highly significant increase in dry weight, for T5 (0.88 g) and T4(1.10 g); and significant differences in leaf area for the same treatments, with a value greater than 2000 cm2, compared to others. The biopreparado from native bacteria and RSV improved the growth and development of the radish plants, being able to give a added value to these residues and to obtain a potentially usable biofertilizer in other cultures.

Avaliação da qualidade microbiológica da alface (Lactuca sativa), comercializada na cidade de Pará de Minas, MG / Evaluation of microbiological quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa), sold in the city of Para de Minas, MG

A alface (Lactuca sativa) é a hortaliça folhosa mais comercializada no Brasil. Seu baixo valor calórico e alto teor nutritivo qualificam este alimento para diversos tipos de dietas. Seu consumo sob a forma crua possibilita a ocorrência de enfermidades intestinais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade microbiológica das alfaces de cultivo tradicional e variedade crespa, comercializada em diferentes regiões da cidade de Pará de Minas-MG. Dentre as amostras analisadas, 20% apresentaram baixos padrões higiênico-sanitários, evidenciados pela presença de coliformes termotolerantes. Não foi identificada presença de Salmonella sp. em nenhuma das amostras. Diante disso, a Vigilância Sanitária do município deveria intensificar a fiscalização da qualidade das hortaliças comercializadas no mercado local e ainda incentivar ações educativas.

Comparación de la calidad bacteriológica de la lechuga (Lactuca sativa) producida en Costa Rica mediante cultivo tradicional, orgánico o hidropónico

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la calidad bacteriológica de lechugas comercializadas en el Área Metropolitana de San José, Costa Rica y cultivadas de diversas maneras, con el fin de discernir diferencias entre los métodos de cultivo y el riesgo a la Salud Pública que estos productos pueden representar. El estudio se llevó a cabo en el Laboratorio de Microbiología de Alimentos de la Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, durante los meses de marzo a julio, 2010. Se analizaron 30 muestras de lechuga (10 cultivadas por el método tradicional, tradicional, 10 de cultivo orgánico y 10 producidas mediante hidroponía). Cada muestra fue adquirida en supermercados donde se certifica el origen de las mismas. A cada muestra se le determinó el recuento total de aerobios mesófilos aerobio, recuento de coliformes totales, fecales y de Escherichia coli, así como la presencia/ausencia en 25 g de Salmonella spp. y Listeria monocytogenes. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que no existe una diferencia, estadísticamente significativa (p>0,001) entre los diferentes tipos de cultivo para ninguno de los parámetros evaluados. Un porcentaje importante de las muestras presentó colifomes, no obstante, únicamente se aisló una cepa de Escherichia coli, a partir de una lechuga cultivada de manera tradicional. Se logró aislar cuatro cepas de Salmonella spp así como una cepa de Listeria monocytogenes. Los datos obtenidos permiten evidenciar el hecho de que el consumo del producto crudo y sin una adecuada limpieza y desinfección representa un riesgo para la salud del consumidor, así como que no existe, desde el punto de vista bacteriológico, una diferencia significativa entre el cultivo tradicional, orgánico e hidropónico de la lechuga, lo que hace suponer que no se siguen los lineamientos específicos de cada tipo de cultivo, o se da un mal manejo y contaminación post cosecha en los productos.

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the microbiological quality of lettuces commercialized in the Metropolitan Area of San José, Costa Rica, and cultured in different ways, in order to detect differences between the culturing methods and the risk that these products may represent for Public Health. The study was done at the Food Microbiology Laboratory, Universidad de Costa Rica, from March to July, 2010. 30 lettuce samples were analyzed (10 obtained by traditional culture, 10 by organic culture and 10 by hydropony). All samples were obtained from markets where their origin was certified. Total aerobic plate count, total and fecal coliforms count and Escherichia coli were determined to all samples, as well as the presence/abscense of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in 25 g. Results obtained show that there is no statistically significant difference (pE. coli strain was isolated from a traditionally cultured lettuce sample. Four different Salmonella spp. strains were isolated from the samples as well as one Listeria monocytogenes strain. Data obtained show that the consumption of this product, raw or without an adequate hygiene and disinfection may represent a risk for health. Also, from the bacteriological point of view, there is no significant difference between the culturing methods evaluated, suggesting that the specific directions for each type of culture are not followed or that there is an inadequate handling of the products or post harvest contamination.