Determinación de parámetros fisicoquímicos y microbiológicos de la chicha en Bogotá / Determination of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of the "Chicha" drink in Bogota

Introducción y objetivo: En el laboratorio de salud pública de la Secretaría Distrital de salud se realizó el estudio de caracterización de la bebida fermentada denominada Chicha durante el l Festival de la Chicha, el Maíz y la Dicha, con objeto de evaluar sus parámetros fisicoquímicos y microbiológicos y determinar su inocuidad para la salud del consumidor. Método: Se colectaron 49 muestras, a las que se hicieron análisis microbiológicos y fisicoquímicos. Resultados: El análisis microbiológico arrojó un 3,9% de muestras negativas para coliformes fecales; un 93,9% negativas para Bacillus cereus; un 100% negativas para salmonella, y de un 42,9% para mohos. El pH obtuvo un valor medio de 3,44 y el grado alcohólico promedio fue de 3,35%, con valor máximo de 5,2%. En ninguna de las muestras analizadas se detectaron trazas de metanol. Discusión: El punto óptimo de fermentación de la bebida se obtiene entre 15 y 20 días de desarrollo, con contenidos de etanol alrededor de 4%. Por lo tanto, la bebida no debe expenderse para consumo antes de 15 días de proceso de fermentación. Así, la bebida es inocua para el consumidor; siempre y cuando sea elaborada, almacenada y comercializada siguiendo los procedimientos adecuados para la manipulación de alimentos, utilizando materias primas de buena calidad y educación a los productores y distribuidores. Palabras clave: bebida fermentada, grado alcohólico, pH, metanol, coliformes fecales, recuento de mohos, Bacillus cereus, detección de salmonella.

Background and objective: Bogota’s Public Health Laboratory (District Secretariat of Health) carried out a study to characterize the fermented drink called “chicha” during the Festival of Chicha, Corn and Happiness with the aim of evaluating its physicochemical and microbio- logical parameters and determining its innocuousness for consumers’ health. Materials and Methods: Physicochemical and microbiological analysis were made to 49 samples collected. Results:The Microbiological results were as follows: 93.9% of the samples were negative for fecal coliforms, 93.9% were negative for Bacillus cereus, 100% were negative for salmonella, and for molds 42.9% of the samples had higher counts of the punctual estimator as a result of highly humid storage locations and the acidity of the drink. The mean pH value was 3.44. The average alcohol content was 3.35% and the top value was 5.2%. No traces of Methanol were detected in the analyzed samples. Discussion. The optimal fermentation of the beverage is reached after 15 and 20 days, with an ethanol content of about 4.0%. Therefore, the drink should not be sold for consumption before 15 days of fermentation. The conclusion is that the drink is safe for the consumer as long as it is processed, stored, and marketed according to suitable food handling procedures, good quality raw materials and trained producers and distributors. Recommendations: This study is a technical review to be used for future regulations or rules of the drink called “Chicha”. It is also a tool to apply surveillance and control actions aimed at improving the production and marketing of that drink. Keywords: Fermented beverage, alcohol proof, pH, methanol, fecal Coliforms, fungi recount,Bacillus cereus, detection of Salmonella sp.

Presencia de Yersinia enterocolitica patógena en carne de cerdo cruda y queso de cabeza en Bogotá / Presence of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica in raw pork meat and pork head cheese in Bogota

Introducción: La Yersinia enterocolitica es una bacteria entérica, causante de patología, que se encuentra en productos refrigerados como derivados de carne de cerdo, agua contaminada, leche cruda, huevos y mariscos. Esta bacteria soporta temperaturas de congelación, por lo cual es un patógeno contaminante de alimentos de consumo masivo. Objetivo: Establecer la presencia de Y enterocolitica patógena en carne de cerdo y en el queso de cabeza distribuido en Bogotá. Método: Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo de la detección de Y. enterocolitica, en nuestras de laboratorio de carne de cerdo y queso de cabeza procedentes de las plazas de mercado y expendios ubicados en las jurisdicciones de las empresas sociales del Estado, Centrooriente, Chapinero, Usaquén, Hospital del Sur, Suba, Usme y Rafael Uribe. Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 205 muestras (97 de queso de cabeza y 108 de carne de cerdo cruda). Se encontró Y. enterocolítica patógena en el 48,1% de las muestras de carne de cerdo cruda y en el 50,6% de los quesos de cabeza. De las 95 muestras positivas por PCR, olamente se recuperaron por cultivo 6. Conclusiones: Se encontró que la presencia de Y. enterocolitica patógena en materia prima y en producto terminado (queso de cabeza) es elevada, y ha sido subestimada; por lo tanto, los consumidores tienen un riesgo adicional en salud pública que se debe seguir monitoreando.Palabras clave: Yersinia enterocolítica, carne, productos de la carne, PCR.

Introduction: Yersinia enterocolitica are enteric bacteria which cause pathologies that range from soft diarrheas to pseudo-appendicitis. In some cases they can produce extra-intestinal skin and ocular manifestations. It can be found in refrigerated products such as pork meat byproducts, contaminated water, raw milk, eggs and seafood. These bacteria withstand freezing temperatures and are a food contaminating pathogen for mass consumption products. Aim: To establish the presence of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica in raw pork meat and head cheese distributed in the city of Bogota. Method: 25 g of each sample were weighted and placed in 225 ml of PBS in order to identify the presence of Y. enterocolitica. Then they wereincubated at 4ºC for 14 days and were PCR Tagman tested to detect pathogenic serotypes of this bacterium. Positive results were confirmed through agar CIN, Mc Conkey and fast biochemical tests. Design: A descriptive and prospective study was conduced to detect Yersinia enterocolitica in pork meat samples coming from the market places and stores located in the jurisdictions of ESE, Centro Oriente, Chapinero, Usaquen, Hospital del Sur, Suba, Usme and Rafael Uribe. Results: A total of 205 samples were analyzed, 97 samples of head cheese and 108 of raw pork meat. Pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica was found in 48.1% of the raw pork meat samples and 50.6 % of the pork head cheese samples. 6 out of 95 PCR positive samples were recovered by cultivation. Other species of Yersinia were detected in 22 samples. Conclusions: It was found that there is a high presence of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica in raw meat and finished product (pork head cheese) and has been underestimated. Thus, consumers have an additional public health risk that must continue to be monitored. The PCR Taqman test to detect athogenic Yersinia enterocolitica is a safe, effective, sensible and specific tool to detect this microorganism in pork meat and pork head cheese.