Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Animal Products Commercialized in the Border Region of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

ABSTRACT: The traffic in international animal products can become a public health hazard when legal import sanitary procedures are not followed. In Brazil, due to its extensive border area, the importation of animal products is a common practice in many areas, especially in Rio Grande do Sul, a state that borders Argentina and Uruguay. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of veterinary drug residues (antibiotics and antiparasitics) in animal products consumed in Rio Grande do Sul. The presence of residues of veterinary antibiotics and antiparasitics was assessed in 189 meat (beef, pork, and chicken), processed dairy, and meat product samples bought in Argentina (n = 90) and Uruguay (n = 99). Residues of these veterinary drugs were detected in 50 (26.45%) of the samples; 28 samples (14.81%) had antibiotic residues, and 22 samples (11.64%) had antiparasitic residues. Of the 50 positive samples, 40% (15 from Argentina and 5 from Uruguay) had residues above the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Of these 20 samples, 12 had antiparasitic residues above the MRLs (11 beef samples had ivermectin and 1 pork sample had ivermectin and doramectin) and 8 had antibiotic residues above the MRLs (2 pork and 2 sausage samples had doxycycline, 2 cheese samples had doxycycline and chlortetracycline, 1 poultry meat sample had chloramphenicol, and 1 cheese sample had monensin). Because of the potential toxic effects on humans and the potential for pathogens to develop antibiotic resistance, the presence of these residues above the MRLs is a potential risk to public health. The negative impact of consumption of imported animal products can be reduced by implementation of an effective surveillance system and educational campaigns for the general population.

Detection of adenovirus, rotavirus, and hepatitis E virus in meat cuts marketed in Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of adenovirus (AdV), rotavirus (RV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV) in beef, pork, and chicken meat cuts in retail trade in the city of Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil. A total of 131 meat products were collected (beef, n = 55; chicken, n = 47; pork, n = 29) from 18 commercial establishments (supermarkets, n = 7; butchers, n = 7; markets/grocery stores, n = 4). All samples were evaluated for AdV, RV, and HEV. The genomes of RV and AdV were identified in 29% (n = 38) and 5.34% (n = 7) of the samples, respectively. HEV was not identified in any of the samples. Chicken cuts had a higher frequency of AdV and RV isolates compared to beef and pork (P < 0.05). Among the categories of commercial establishments evaluated, all revealed at least one positive sample for AdV and RV; however, supermarkets showed a higher frequency of RV than others (P < 0.05). The genetic material of AdV and RV was identified simultaneously in 2.29% (n = 3) of samples from supermarkets (n = 2) and grocery stores (n = 1). This is the first report on detection of enteric viruses in meat cuts in the western region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and the presence of AdV and RV in these products may indicate flaws during the process of handling these foods, especially in places where commercialization provides important public health issues.

Food handling in the domestic environment: an online questionnaire study with respondents from 24 of 26 Brazilian states / Manipulação de alimentos no ambiente doméstico: um estudo realizado com emprego de questionário online respondido por habitantes de 24 dos 26 estados brasileiros

Using an online questionnaire, this study evaluated the profile of a Brazilian population's food handling practices in the home environment. The questionnaire, containing questions about domestic behavior in terms of hygiene and food handling, was built and available through social media sites. Information about the participants' profiles, their food pre-preparation, food preparation, and food post-preparation practices, and the occurrence of foodborne diseases (FBDs) was included in the questionnaire. A total of 701 responses were obtained. The interviewees included 78.31% female participants and 21.68% male participants, with an average age of 31.2 years. Nearly all (94.3%) had a complete or incomplete higher education. In the pre-preparation stage, the participants evaluated the shelf life (97.28%) and storage temperature (44.79%) of the products while purchasing them. Regarding food handling practices, only a few participants washed the food packages before storing them (31.95%) or removed hand jewelry or other adornments when washing food (61.48%). Most participants washed their hands (91.58%) and washed vegetables (99.28%). But a group of interviewees reported washing raw meat (27.81%) before preparing it. Cutting surfaces such as plastic (50.36%) and glass (49.36%) tops were the most prevalent in the study. Most respondents did not know how long they had been using their cutting boards (67.62%) and mentioned using the same surface to handle both raw and ready-to-eat products (84.17%). As for the preparation, most interviewees declared they did not check the food temperature during preparation (86.31%), ignoring the ideal cooking temperature (88.26%). Regarding the occurrence of FBDs, 79.17% of the interviewees reported having suspicious clinical signs associated with contaminated foods and 65.59% did not seek medical help. Thus, the participants demonstrated ignorance about adequate practices for food safety in the home environment, highlighting the need to conduct health education programs within the Brazilian population.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil das práticas de manipulação de alimentos no ambiente domiciliar no Brasil utilizando um questionário online. Um questionário contendo perguntas sobre comportamento doméstico em nível de higiene e manipulação de alimentos foi construído e disponibilizado por redes sociais. O questionário continha informações sobre o perfil dos participantes, suas práticas de pré-preparo, preparo e pós-preparo de alimentos e a ocorrência de doenças transmitidas por alimentos (DTA). Obteve-se 701 respostas, os entrevistados foram 78,31% do sexo feminino e 21,68% do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 31,2 anos. A maioria (94,3%) possuia ensino superior completo ou incompleto. Na etapa de pré-preparo, os participantes avaliam o prazo de validade (97,28%) e a temperatura de armazenamento (44,79%) dos produtos no momento da compra. Em relação às práticas de manipulação dos alimentos, apenas alguns participantes lavavam as embalagens dos alimentos antes de armazená-los (31,95%) ou retiravam adornos ao lavar os alimentos (61,48%). A maioria dos participantes lavam as mãos (91,58%) e os vegetais (99,28%); entretanto, um grupo de entrevistados relatou lavar carne crua (27,81%) antes de prepará-la. Superfícies de corte como tábuas de plástico (50,36%) e de vidro (49,36%) foram os mais prevalentes no estudo. A maioria dos entrevistados não sabe há quanto tempo usa as tábuas de corte (67,62%) e utilizam a mesma superfície para manusear produtos crus e prontos para o consumo (84,17%). Quanto ao preparo, a maioria dos entrevistados declarou não verificar a temperatura dos alimentos durante o preparo (86,31%), ignorando a temperatura ideal de cozimento (88,26%). Em relação à ocorrência de DVA, 79,17% dos entrevistados relataram que já apresentaram sinais clínicos suspeitos associados a alimentos contaminados e 65,59% não procuraram atendimento médico. Nesse sentido, os participantes demonstraram desconhecimento sobre as práticas adequadas para a segurança dos alimentos no ambiente domiciliar, evidenciando a necessidade de realização de programas de educação em saúde com a população brasileira.(AU)

Presence of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. in lamb meat commercialized in Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary quality of lamb meat sold in the city of Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) by counting the indicator microorganisms and detecting pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. Thirty-nine lamb meat samples were collected from 10 commercial establishments in Uruguaiana. The samples were subjected to counts of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms and enterobacteria, and to the detection of Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes, all following standard methods. The average counts of mesophilic microorganisms and enterobacteria were 6.08 log CFU/g (minimum 4.07 and max 6.87) and 4.73 log CFU/g (minimum 0 and max 5.88), respectively. For pathogens, L. monocytogenes was isolated from five samples (12.82%), with three samples in the same location. Only two samples (5.13%) were positive for Salmonella spp. The results demonstrated unsatisfactory hygienic-sanitary conditions because high counts of pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes. The counts of enterobacteria showed poor hygiene conditions during the various stages of production. The results also indicated fecal contamination, as Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes are present in the intestinal tract of both humans and animals. The high count of mesophilic microorganisms obtained could be owing to contaminated raw material or unsatisfactory processing, including unsanitary conditions and the inappropriate use of binomial time/temperature during storage.

O objetivo foi avaliar a qualidade higiênico-sanitária da carne de cordeiro comercializada na cidade de Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) através da contagem dos microrganismos indicadores e detecção de patógenos como Salmonella spp. e Listeria monocytogenes. Trinta e nove amostras de carne de cordeiro foram coletadas em 10 estabelecimentos comerciais em Uruguaiana. As amostras foram submetidas a contagens de microrganismos aeróbios mesofilos e enterobactérias e à detecção de Salmonella spp. e L. monocytogenes, todas seguindo metodologias padrão. As contagens médias de microrganismos mesófilos e enterobactérias foram 6,08 log UFC/g (mínimo 4,07 e máximo 6,87) e 4,73 log UFC/g (mínimo 0 e máximo 5,88), respectivamente. Para os patógenos, L. monocytogenes foi isolado de cinco amostras (12,82%), com três amostras no mesmo local. Apenas duas (5,13%) foram positivas para Salmonella spp. Os resultados demonstraram condições higiênico-sanitárias insatisfatórias, baseado nas altas contagens de patógenos como Salmonella spp. e L. monocytogenes. As contagens de enterobactérias indicaram más condições de higiene durante as várias etapas de produção. Os resultados também indicaram contaminação fecal, uma vez que Salmonella spp. e L. monocytogenes estão presentes no trato intestinal de humanos e animais. A alta contagem de microrganismos mesófilos obtidos pode ser devida a matéria-prima contaminada ou processamento insatisfatório, incluindo condições insalubres e uso inadequado do binômio tempo/temperatura durante o armazenamento.

Identification of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and indicator microorganisms in commercialized raw meats and fresh sausages from Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Identificação de Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes e micro-organismos indicadores em carnes cruas e embutidos frescais comercializados na cidade de Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the sanitary hygienic quality and the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in raw meats and fresh sausages marketed in the city of Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. We analyzed 238 samples of fresh sausages, beef, pork, and chicken from 18 commercial establishments (butchers, supermarkets, and groceries). Samples were subjected to enumerate hygiene indicator microorganisms (mesophilic aerobes and enterobacteria) and detection of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. The mean counts of mesophilic aerobes and enterobacteria were 5.09 and 3.54 log CFU/g, respectively. Beef samples presented the highest frequency of Salmonella spp. (7.93%) and fresh sausages present the highest frequency of L. monocytogenes (19.04%). Among the analyzed samples, 43.70% did not comply with the microbiological parameters established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The presence of Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes in different samples and commercial establishments demonstrate the failures of good manufacturing practices in industrial environmental and retails points and the need to train food handlers to reduce the exposure of consumers to potential risks.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade higiênica sanitária e a presença de microrganismos patogênicos em carnes in natura e linguiças frescais comercializadas na cidade de Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil. Foram analisadas 238 amostras de linguiças, carne bovina, suína e de frango de 18 estabelecimentos comerciais (açougues, supermercados e mercearias). As amostras foram submetidas à enumeração de microrganismos indicadores de higiene (aeróbios mesófilos e enterobactérias) e detecção de Salmonella spp. e Listeria monocytogenes. As contagens médias de aeróbios mesófilos e enterobactérias foram 5,09 e 3,54 log UFC/g, respectivamente. Salmonella spp. esteve presente mais frequentemente em amostras de carne bovina (4,91 %), enquanto L. monocytogenes foi mais frequente em linguiças frescais (19,04 %). Das amostras analisadas, 43,70 % não atenderam aos parâmetros microbiológicos estabelecidos pelo Ministério da Saúde. A presença de Salmonella spp. e L. monocytogenes em diferentes amostras e estabelecimentos comerciais demonstra falhas de boas práticas de fabricação na indústria e pontos de venda, além da necessidade de treinar manipuladores de alimentos para reduzir a exposição dos consumidores à riscos.

Milk production units characterized by sanitary, nutritional and infrastructure variables in the northwest, center western and southwest mesoregions of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Caracterização de unidades de produção de leite caracterizadas por variáveis ​​sanitárias, nutricionais e de infraestrutura nas mesorregiões noroeste, centro ocidental e sudoeste do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Evaluating and characterizing production systems using farm characteristics allows the diagnosis of failing points. This diagnosis can be used to improve the productive and zootechnical indices. Little is known about the milk production systems in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the milk production systems of the Northwest, Center Western and Southwest mesoregions of Rio Grande do Sul, considering the infrastructure, milk handling, milk quantity and composition, and nutritional intake of the cattle. To conduct this study, 38 Milk Production Units (MPUs) registered at the Municipal Secretaries of Agriculture and Emater/Ascar-RS were randomly selected. After being randomly selected, the dairy farms were visited and a semi-structured guide questionnaire was applied and milk samples were collected from expansion tanks. The milk was analyzed for somatic cell counts (SCC) and total bacterial counts (TBC). Data were evaluated through principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Multivariate analysis allowed the investigated variables to be reduced into two main components (CP1 and CP2). These two showed eigenvalues greater than 1 (alpha> 1) and together explained 55.05% of the characteristics variability of the 38 MPUs studied. CP1 contemplated productive capacity and factors related to nutritional management of the MPUs, interfering directly with reproductive performance. CP2 comprised milk handling and daily production. Using these main variables, the data set generated from the 38 MPUs studied were adjusted and classified into five groups (G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5). The characteristics of these groups differed statistically especially in infrastructure and nutritional management of the cattle. Due to their particularities, each of these five groups of MPUs requires strategic technical interventions to improve their productive indexes. KEYWORDS: Management. Production Systems. Milk Quality. INTRODUCTIONThe milk activity is developed in milk production units (MPU) distributed throughout the Brazilian territory (WILLERS et al., 2014). These units have different characteristics regardless of the technological level adopted. The daily production and monthly remuneration play a fundamental role in the generation of jobs and income, moving the economy of the regions where they are inserted. However, the activity is developed in the MPUs under production systems with a wide range of organizational, technological, and production scales (BODENMÜLLER FILHO et al., 2010; WINCK; THALER NETO, 2012). Thus, each productive system has peculiar characteristics, which directly affect the productive efficiency of the MPUs. Rio Grande do Sul is the state in Brazil that produces the second largest volume of milk. In this Received: 08/04/19 Accepted: 30/12/19

Avaliar e caracterizar sistemas de produção utilizando as características das propriedades permite diagnosticar os pontos falhos, visando melhorar os índices produtivos e zootécnicos, desse modo pouco se sabe sobre os sistemas de produção de leite no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Assim, objetivou-se com este estudo caracterizar os sistemas de produção de leite das mesorregiões Noroeste, Centro-Oeste e Sudoeste do Rio Grande do Sul, considerando a infra-estrutura, a quantidade, qualidade e composição do leite e o manejo nutricional dos rebanhos. Para conduzir este estudo, 38 Unidades de Produção de Leite (UPLs) registradas nas Secretarias Municipais de Agricultura e Emater/Ascar-RS foram selecionadas aleatoriamente. Depois, as fazendas leiteiras foram visitadas, um questionário semi-estruturado foi aplicado e amostras de leite do tanque foram coletadas. O leite foi analisado quanto à contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e à contagem bacteriana total (CBT). Os dados foram avaliados através de análise de componentes principais e análise de cluster. A análise multivariada permitiu que as variáveis investigadas fossem reduzidas em dois componentes principais (CP1 e CP2). Estes apresentaram autovalores maiores que 1 (alfa> 1) e juntos explicaram 55,05% da variabilidade das características das 38 UPLs estudadas. O CP1 contemplou a capacidade produtiva e os fatores relacionados ao manejo nutricional das UPLs, interferindo diretamente no desempenho produtivo. CP2 compreendeu manipulação de leite e produção diária. Utilizando essas variáveis principais, os dados gerados a partir das 38 UPLs estudadas foram ajustados e estas classificadas em cinco grupos (G1, G2, G3, G4 e G5). As características desses grupos diferiram estatisticamente, especialmente em infraestrutura e manejo nutricional do rebanho. Devido a suas particularidades, cada um desses cinco grupos de MPUs requer intervenções técnicas estratégicas para melhorar seus índices produtivos.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Products Marketed on the Border of Brazil with Argentina and Uruguay.

ABSTRACT: We aimed to perform serotyping and the antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from raw meats imported illegally into Brazil along the borders of Argentina and Uruguay. Distinct isolates of Salmonella spp. (n = 6) and L. monocytogenes (n = 25) obtained from 270 of these food products of earlier work were serotyped and tested for antimicrobial resistance by agar disk diffusion method. For strains that were considered phenotypically resistant, antimicrobial resistance genes were investigated: strA, strB, floR, tetA, tetB, blaZ, blaTEM, ermB, ermC, and ereB to Salmonella sp. and blaZ and mecA to L. monocytogenes. All Salmonella isolates were identified as Salmonella Infantis; they were multidrug resistant and harbored the genes blaTEM (n = 6), strA (n = 1), strB (n = 1), floR (n = 1), ermB (n = 1), tetA (n = 3), and tetB (n = 3). L. monocytogenes isolates belonged to serovars 1/2a (n = 1), 1/2b (n = 14), 1/2c (n = 2), and 4b (n = 8), showed resistance only to penicillin G (n = 12), and did not show the blaZ and mecA genes. The results demonstrated that illegal foods that are commercialized in the Brazilian international border with Argentina and Uruguay may harbor foodborne pathogens, and some of them have multidrug resistance characteristics, such as Salmonella, emphasizing the need for greater control of international food transit in Brazil, especially in the region evaluated.

Hepatitis A Virus, Hepatitis E Virus, and Rotavirus in Foods of Animal Origin Traded at the Borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

The aim of this study was to investigate hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis E (HEV), and rotavirus (RV) in fresh and processed meat traded on the border of Brazil with Argentina and Uruguay. In total, 159 samples of raw and processed foods of animal origin were collected in Paso de los Libres, Argentina (n = 53 raw meat, n = 24 processed meat) and Rivera, Uruguay (n = 55 raw meat, n = 18 processed meat), or were seized by the Brazilian International Agricultural Surveillance System-VIGIAGRO (Brazil-Argentina border) (n = 8 raw meat, n = 1 bush meat). All samples were tested for the presence of HAV, HEV, and RV genomes. HAV genes were detected in 18.23% of samples and RV genes in 23.89%. No HEV-positive samples were detected. HAV was also detected in two of the VIGIAGRO samples. Processed meats from Argentina and Uruguay had a higher rate of HAV and RV than raw meat (P > 0.05). The median HAV in the Argentinian and Uruguayan samples was 6.9 × 104 and 3.5 × 103 copies/g, respectively. The presence of RV viral genes in raw meats from Argentina was significant, and this was not observed in processed meats. The presence of HAV and RV genes in a significant portion of products from Argentina and Uruguay is a potential source of human infection. This also indicates precarious conditions of acquisition, processing, and manipulation, which could be improved by improved regulation of food across borders.

Foods introduced into Brazil through the border with Argentina and Uruguay: Pathogen detection and evaluation of hygienic-sanitary quality.

This study aimed to evaluate the presence of pathogens in, and the hygienic-sanitary quality of, commercialized foods of animal origin at the international border region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In total, 270 samples of raw and processed foods of animal origin were collected in Paso de los Libres, Argentina (n = 65 raw meat, n = 47 dairy products, n = 28 processed meat) and Rivera, Uruguay (n = 60 raw meat, n = 31 dairy products, n = 29 processed meat), or were seized by the Brazilian International Agricultural Surveillance System (Brazil-Argentina border) (n = 9 raw meat, n = 1 bush meat). The samples were subjected to the enumeration of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, enterobacteria, and coagulase-positive staphylococci, and were tested for Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7. The virulence genes for Salmonella spp. (hilA, invA, spvC, pefA, and sefA), L. monocytogenes (prs, inlA, inlC, and inlJ) and E. coli O157:H7 (uspA, eae, rfbO157, fliCH7, stx1, stx2, and hlyA) were investigated using PCR assays. Raw products showed higher counts of aerobic mesophiles and enterobacteria compared to processed products (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in aerobic mesophile or in enterobacterial counts between identical products according to origin (Argentina vs. Uruguay, P > 0.05). Escherichia coli O157:H7 was not detected in any of the samples tested. Salmonella spp. was detected in six (8%) raw products from Argentina. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from five (6.66%) raw products originating in Argentina and 20 (16.66%) raw products from Uruguay. All 52 E. coli isolates carried the uspA gene, but only one carried the eae gene. The rfbO157, fliCH7, stx1, stx2, and hlyA genes were not detected. All Salmonella spp. isolates carried hilA and invA genes, but spvC, pefA, and sefA were not found. All L. monocytogenes isolates carried the prs gene; however, inlA, inlC, and inlJ genes were found in 20% of the isolates from Argentina and 95% of those from Uruguay. To our knowledge, this is the first microbiological study into the hygienic-sanitary quality of animal products in Brazil's land border region. Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes were detected in products of animal origin, constituting a public health concern and emphasizing the need for an active surveillance system to reduce the risk of foodborne pathogen introduction into Brazil.

Multidrug resistance and ESBL-producing Salmonella spp. isolated from broiler processing plants

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of multidrug-resistant, extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Salmonella spp. isolated from conveyor belts of broiler cutting rooms in Brazilian broiler processing plants. Ninety-eight strains of Salmonella spp. were analyzed. Multidrug resistance was determined by the disk diffusion test and the susceptibility of the isolated bacteria was evaluated against 18 antimicrobials from seven different classes. The double disk diffusion test was used to evaluate ESBL production. Of the 98 strains tested, 84 were multidrug resistant. The highest rates of resistance were against nalidixic acid (95%), tetracycline (91%), and the beta-lactams: ampicillin and cefachlor (45%), followed by streptomycin and gentamicin with 19% and 15% of strain resistance, respectively. By contrast, 97% of the strains were sensitive to chloramphenicol. 45% of the strains were positive for the presence of ESBL activity. In this study, high rates of multidrug resistance and ESBL production were observed in Salmonella spp.

Multidrug resistance and ESBL-producing Salmonella spp. isolated from broiler processing plants.

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of multidrug-resistant, extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Salmonella spp. isolated from conveyor belts of broiler cutting rooms in Brazilian broiler processing plants. Ninety-eight strains of Salmonella spp. were analyzed. Multidrug resistance was determined by the disk diffusion test and the susceptibility of the isolated bacteria was evaluated against 18 antimicrobials from seven different classes. The double disk diffusion test was used to evaluate ESBL production. Of the 98 strains tested, 84 were multidrug resistant. The highest rates of resistance were against nalidixic acid (95%), tetracycline (91%), and the beta-lactams: ampicillin and cefachlor (45%), followed by streptomycin and gentamicin with 19% and 15% of strain resistance, respectively. By contrast, 97% of the strains were sensitive to chloramphenicol. 45% of the strains were positive for the presence of ESBL activity. In this study, high rates of multidrug resistance and ESBL production were observed in Salmonella spp.

Effect of psychrotrophic growth on the milk fat fraction at different temperatures of storage.

The use of cooling, without using adequate hygienic practices in primary milk production, allows for the growth of psychrotrophic microorganisms that produce the thermoresistant lipases that give milk a rancid flavor. This study aimed to verify how the variation in temperature influences the lipolytic metabolism of the psychrotrophic organisms. Samples of raw milk were collected and submitted to laboratorial analysis as follows: psychrotrophic bacteria count, lipolytic bacteria count, and free fatty acids dosage. Each sample was divided into 3 aliquots and then incubated at 4, 8, and 12 °C, respectively. For each temperature, analyses were repeated after 12, 24, and 48 h of storage. Despite the psychrotrophs growth increase, according to temperature rise, the lipolytic metabolism was not consistent and presented the lower index at 8 °C, suggesting an intensification of the proteolytic compensatory activity at this temperature.

Transfer of Salmonella Enteritidis to four types of surfaces after cleaning procedures and cross-contamination to tomatoes.

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the spread of Salmonella Enteritidis to different cutting boards (wood, triclosan-treated plastic, glass, and stainless steel) from contaminated poultry skin (5 log CFU/g) and then to tomatoes and to analyze the effect of different protocols used to clean these surfaces to control contamination. The following procedures were simulated: (1) no cleaning after handling contaminated poultry skin; (2) rinsing in running water; (3) cleaning with dish soap and mechanical scrubbing; and (4) cleaning with dish soap and mechanical scrubbing, followed by disinfection with hypochlorite. The pathogen was recovered from all surfaces following procedure 1, with counts ranging from 1.90 to 2.80 log, as well as from the tomatoes handled on it. Reduced numbers of S. Enteritidis were recovered using the other procedures, both from the surfaces and from the tomatoes. Counts were undetectable after procedure 4. From all surfaces evaluated, wood was the most difficult to clean, and stainless steel was the easiest. The use of hypochlorite as a disinfecting agent helped to reduce cross-contamination.