Quantification of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, coliform bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus and in the production of fresh cheese in a rural community in Brazil

Abstract

Cheese is a milk derivative widely consumed in Brazil, having a great nutritional importance. The microbiological quality of food is of vital importance, as existing microorganisms, especially in products of animal origin, can cause serious diseases, so the objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of Minas Frescal cheese produced in a rural community in Brazil. Twenty samples of Minas Frescal cheese were analyzed, these samples were submitted to analysis for counting mesophilic aerobic bacteria, total coliform bacteria, coliform bacteria at 45°C and Staphylococcus aureus. Brazilian legislation was used as a parameter for the evaluation of the analyzed cheese samples. All samples analyzed showed high counts of mesophilic aerobic, bacteria total coliform bacteria, coliform bacteria at 45°C and Staphylococcus aureus. The high count of total coliform bacteria, coliform bacteria at 45°C and Staphylococcus aureus observed in the analyzed cheese samples suggests that this product may pose a health risk to consumers.