Evaluation of microbiological quality of Minas frescal cheese commercialized in supermarkets in

The Minas Frescal cheese has physical and chemical characteristics appropriate to the growth of microorganisms andhave been frequently associated to several foodborne diseases. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate themicrobiological quality of Minas Frescal cheese commercialized in supermarkets in the far Extremo-Oeste of SantaCatarina, by Staphylococcus aureus coagulase positive, fecal coliform, Salmonella sp. and Listeria monocytogenes.We collected 30 samples of Minas Frescal cheese commercialized in supermarkets in the cities of S o Miguel doOeste, Maravilha, Pinhalzinho e Modelo, SC. The microbiological analyzes were carried out according to officialrecommendations and requirements (Anvisa), and the methodology used to conduct microbiological analysis was basedon the Normative Instruction of the Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA). The results showedthat 7% of the samples were outside the established standards by the legislation, with fecal coliform contamination. Wefound no contamination by L. monocytogenes, Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus aureus coagulase positive. Althoughthe number of contaminated samples was low, this indicates contamination found flaws in the manufacturing practicesof food, which demonstrates the importance of maintaining rigorous system of quality control in dairy products.