Buenas Prácticas de Manufactura de carnicerías y prevalencia de Escherichia coli productor de toxina Shiga y Salmonella spp. aisladas en carne molida de carnicerías de Asunción, Paraguay

La inocuidad de la carne comercializada debe estar garantizada en la cadena de producción, para evitar enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos (ETA). Escherichia coli productor de toxina Shiga (STEC) y Salmonella spp. pueden encontrarse en el tracto gastrointestinal de los bovinos y contaminar la carne de consumo humano, pudiendo causar enfermedades en el hombre. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar las condiciones higiénico-sanitarias de 52 carnicerías localizadas en Asunción y detectar la frecuencia de STEC y Salmonella spp. en muestras de carne molida. Las condiciones higiénico-sanitarias se evaluaron mediante la estimación del riesgo, utilizando una escala de clasificación por categorías. La detección de STEC y Salmonella spp. se realizó por PCR en tiempo real. En la evaluación inicial, se clasificaron a 33% de las carnicerías como de alto y moderado riesgo. Se detectó STEC no-O157 en un 50% (130/258) de las muestras y Salmonella spp. en un 11% (29/258). Se realizaron acciones de mejora. En la etapa post-intervención, no se detectaron carnicerías de alto riesgo. En el muestreo de seguimiento se detectó un 29% (66/237) de muestras positivas para STEC no-O157 y 7% (16 /237) para Salmonella spp. Este estudio permitió realizar recomendaciones específicas y detalladas a cada carnicería, lo que tuvo un efecto significativo en la mejora de sus condiciones. Esta situación resalta la importancia de continuar fortaleciendo la vigilancia multisectorial y multidisciplinaria. Es imperativo que los establecimientos que se dedican al rubro, implementen las Buenas Prácticas de Manufactura (BPM) como una medida para reducir los riesgos asociados.

The safety of marketed meat must be guaranteed in the production chain, to avoid foodborne illness. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Salmonella spp. can be found in the gastrointestinal tract of cattle and contaminate meat for human consumption, potentially causing diseases in humans. This work aimed to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary conditions of 52 butcher shops located in Asunción and detect the frequency of STEC and Salmonella spp. in ground beef samples. Hygienic-sanitary conditions were evaluated by estimating risk, using a categorical classification scale. The detection of STEC and Salmonella spp. was performed by real-time PCR. In the initial evaluation, 33% of the butcher shops were classified as high and moderate risk. STEC non-O157 was detected in 50% (130/258) of the samples and Salmonella spp. in 11% (29/258). Improvement actions were carried out. In the post-intervention stage, no high-risk butcher shops were detected. In the follow-up sampling, 29% (66/237) of positive samples were detected for STEC non-O157 and 7% (16/237) for Salmonella spp. This study allowed specific and detailed recommendations to be made to each butcher shop, which had a significant effect on improving their conditions. This situation highlights the importance of continuing to strengthen multisectoral and multidisciplinary surveillance. It is imperative that establishments dedicated to the sector implement Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as a measure to reduce associated risks.

Evaluación de la calidad microbiológica del queso de hoja tradicional de Ecuador elaborado artesanal e industrialmente / Evaluation of the microbiological quality of traditional leafcheese in Ecuador both handcrafted and industrially produced

Uno de los quesos frescos tradicionales típicos del Ecuador es el queso de hoja, un queso de pasta hilada, que se elabora de manera artesanal envuelto en hoja de achira (Canna indica), mientras en la industria es empacado al vacío en bolsas de polietileno. En el presente estudio se comparó la calidad microbiológica de estos quesos, evaluando los indicadores de la calidad higiénico-sanitaria, además se cuantificaron y caracterizaron fenotípicamente bacterias ácido lácticas (BAL). Las muestras se recolectaron en queseras artesanales y plantas industriales de la ciudad de Latacunga. Se determinaron recuentos de aerobios mesófilos aplicando la Norma Técnica Ecuatoriana NTE INEN 1529 5, coliformes totales, Escherichia coli y Staphylococcus aureus se analizaron utilizando placas Petrifilm (AOAC 991.14 – AOAC 2003.07). El recuento de bacterias ácido lácticas empleó el método PRT-712.02-047. Los resultados de los indicadores de la calidad higiénico-sanitaria: coliformes, E. coli y S. aureus examinados en los quesos de hoja artesanales y de elaboración industrial, en todos los casos superaron los límites de aceptabilidad establecidos por la normativa ecuatoriana, sugiriendo deficiente calidad higiénica de los procesos o incorrecta manipulación de la leche empleada como materia prima. (AU)

One of the traditional fresh cheeses in Ecuador is the artisanal leafcheese, a kind of stretched-curd cheese. The artisanal product is wrapped in achira leaves (Canna indica), while the industrial leafcheese is packed at vacuum in high density polyethylene bags. In this study the microbiological quality of both products was compared. The hygienic-sanitary microbial indicators and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were quantified. The LAB isolated were characterized phenotypically. The samples were obtained from artisanal cheese-making and industrial located in Latacunga city province Cotopaxi.The total aerobic mesophilic count was made based on national regulations (NTE INEN 1529 5); total coliforms, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated using petrifilm methods (AOAC 991.14 – AOAC 2003.07) and to LAB was used PRT-712.02-047. The results show high quantities of total coliforms, E. coli and S. aureus in both products, these data exceed the limits of acceptability established in Ecuadorian regulations, this evidence poor hygienic quality of the processes or incorrect controls of milk as raw material. (AU)

Processing and preservation methods of Wagashi Gassirè, a traditional cheese produced in Benin.

Purpose: Wagashi Gassirè (WG) is a traditional cheese produced from cow milk following local processing methods in Benin. The aim of this study was to describe the milk processing methods and the preservation practices with the objective of improving WG production and sanitary quality. Methods: A survey was carried out among 390 actors (84 dairy farmers, 165 producers, 53 traders, and 88 consumers) from two municipalities (Dassa and Nikki) in Benin. Results: WG is highly preferred by consumers for its whiteness (63.0%), softness (24.7%), smoothness (19.2%), and firmness (13.7%). WG production is based on the coagulation of milk using Calotropis procera extracts as coagulant. Six milk processing methods, including three new WG production methods were identified, depending on how the C. procera extracts were pre-treated and used during WG production. Boiling (67%) was the most widely used as WG preservation method. The use of aluminium cooking pots (100% of WG producers), WG open-air production (66.7% of producers) and antibiotic misuse (59.3% of dairy farmers) may lead to the chemical or microbiological contamination of WG. Conclusions: Six WG production and six preservation methods were identified after the survey among WG producers and traders. Future studies should assess the sanitary and physico-chemical quality of WG from the identified processing and preservation methods. The next step of research should be also focused on the development of specific standards to produce a better quality of WG.

Assessment of the sanitary quality of ready to eat sesame, a low moisture street food from Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: Microbial contamination of edible low moisture food poses a significant public health risk for human. In this study, the microbial quality of sweet dehulled sesame seed croquettes, salted dehulled sesame seed and the raw sesame seed, sold under ambient conditions were examined. The samples were collected in the cities of Burkina Faso. The first type is sweet dehulled sesame seed croquettes (n1 = 25); the second type is salted dehulled sesame seed (n2 = 25) and the third type is raw sesame seed (n3 = 25). Assessment of the microbial quality was based on the total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, the thermotolerant coliforms, the yeasts and moulds, the E. coli, and the Salmonella spp. using ISO methods. RESULTS: The results showed the presence of microorganisms varying from <1.0 to 1.72 × 105 CFU g- 1 for thermotolerant coliforms, from <1.0 to 6,12 × 106 CFU g- 1 for the total mesophilic aerobic flora and from <1.0 to 8.10 × 105 CFU g- 1 for yeasts and moulds. The higher contaminations rates were mostly observed in raw sesame seed samples. No E coli or Salmonella pathogens were detected. Based on international standards of dehydrated food, 50.67% of the ready to eat sesame are satisficing while 17.33% are acceptable and 32% are not satisficing. CONCLUSION: Attention should be emphasized on the processing practices, especially in crowded places where RTE sesames seeds are mostly sold. The high numbers of all microbial groups in these sesame seed samples suggested that the production of RTE sesame seed should be improved by better hygiene. This study highlights also that RTE sesame seed might harbor a wide range of microorganisms when processes are weak of hygiene.

Caracterización microbiológica de polen seco y congelado en Viracachá-Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo. Caracterizar microbiológicamente el polen seco y congelado producido en el municipio de Viracachá-Boyacá. Materiales y métodos. A través de un estudio transversal descriptivo cuantitativo se tomaron muestras de 5 apiarios, cada uno con 10 colmenas, separando el polen en seco y congelado, determinando para cada muestra: aerobios mesófilos, coliformes totales, coliformes fecales, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium sulfito reductor y hongos. Los datos obtenidos se analizaron de acuerdo a normatividades internacionales y se compararon con resultados de investigaciones en otros países. Resultados. Se encontraron coliformes totales y fecales en tres de los cinco apiarios evaluados y solo en muestras de polen seco. Además, en dos apiarios cuando se analizó polen seco se encontró Staphylococcus aureus. Los resultados microbiológicos de la mayoría de las muestras se encuentran dentro de los rangos de algunas normatividades internacionales, sin embargo, los mejores resultados en cuanto a calidad microbiológica se determinaron para el polen congelado. Conclusiones. El proceso de congelamiento del polen ofrece ventajas relativas al mantenimiento de la calidad microbiológica en comparación con el proceso de secado. Se hace necesario evaluar la calidad microbiológica de ambos productos a través del tiempo de almacenamiento.

ABSTRACT Objective. Microbiologically characterize dry and frozen pollen produced in the municipality of Viracachá-Boyacá. Materials and methods. Through a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study, samples from 5 apiaries were taken, each with 10 hives, separating the pollen dry and frozen, determining for each sample: mesophilic aerobes, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium sulfite reducer, and fungus. The data obtained were analyzed according to international regulations and compared with research results in other countries. Results. Total and fecal coliforms were found in three of the five apiaries evaluated and only in dried pollen samples. Also, in two apiaries when dry pollen was analyzed, Staphylococcus aureus was found. The microbiological results of most samples are within the ranges of some international regulations; however, the best results in terms of microbiological quality were determined for frozen pollen. Conclusions. The pollen freezing process offers advantages related to maintaining microbiological quality compared to the drying process. It is necessary to evaluate the microbiological quality of both products throughout the storage time.

Characterization of Periods of Crisis and Post-Crisis in the Raw Water of Guandu System through Quality Parameters / Caracterização dos Períodos de Crise e Pós-Crise Hídrica da Água Bruta da Bacia do Guandu através de Parâmetros de Qualidade

At the beginning of the year 2020, about 9 million inhabitants of the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro dependent of the Water Guandu System, experienced a crisis in the water supply, receiving water with taste and odor issues. In this way, this work carried out the analysis of the sanitary quality of raw water that is captured from this system, at two different moments, "in crisis" and "post-crisis", in relations to the presence of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in raw water, through studies of metagenomics and quantification of microcystin (MC) and  saxitoxin (SXT) cyanotoxins by ELISA test, comparing extraction and processing methods. The analysis of raw water quality parameters was also carried out, through the evaluation of the levels of total coliforms and Escherichia coli and some physical-chemical parameters in order to compare with data from INEA analyzes. The raw water collected at both times had levels of Escherichia coli above the Maximum Acceptable Values (MAV) described in Resolution no. 357/2000 of CONAMA, while it presented satisfactory levels in the analyzed physical-chemical parameters as well as for cyanotoxin levels, for SXT. However, it is noteworthy that in the filter extraction methodology, the sample "after crisis" was not within the MAV for MC, so if it were done by this same method the samples of the moment ¨ in crisis¨ would have the values ​​of MC also much higher of the MAV, since in the commonly used methodology the value for MC was above the value for the moment ¨after crisis¨. Therefore, in the review of the Potability Ordinance, it is necessary to describe an extraction methodology that can express the real risk in relation to the levels of cyanotoxins present in raw water. Thus, it is important that sanitation be carried out as soon as possible in the cities upstream of the water treatment plant, so that events such as those that occurred during the "water crisis" are not experienced again. In addition, in the short term, it is necessary to perform periodic monitoring of reservoirs, integrating genomics, biogeochemistry and toxicity analyzes, in order to signal any problems in advance and guarantee the quality of supply, in addition to being able to support data on the implementation of the Contingency Plan, as a precaution so that the flowering situation does not increase.

A principios del año 2020, aproximadamente 9 millones de habitantes de la Región Metropolitana de Río de Janeiro dependientes del Sistema Guandu del Agua, experimentaron una crisis en el suministro de agua, recibiendo agua con problemas de sabor y olor. De esta manera, este trabajo llevó a cabo el análisis de la calidad sanitaria del agua cruda que se captura de este sistema, en dos momentos diferentes, "en crisis" y "postcrisis", en relación con la presencia de cianobacterias y cianotoxinas en agua cruda, a través de estudios de metagenómica y cuantificación de cianotoxinas de microcistina (MC) y saxitoxina (SXT) por prueba ELISA, comparando métodos de extracción y procesamiento. El análisis de los parámetros de calidad del agua cruda también se llevó a cabo, a través de la evaluación de los niveles de coliformes totales y Escherichia coli y algunos parámetros físico-químicos para comparar con los datos de los análisis del INEA. El agua cruda recolectada en ambos momentos tenía niveles de Escherichia coli por encima de los valores máximos aceptables (MAV) descritos en la Resolución no. 357/2000 de CONAMA, si bien presentó niveles satisfactorios en los parámetros físico-químicos analizados, así como para los niveles de cianotoxina, para SXT. Sin embargo, es digno de mención que en la metodología de extracción de filtro, la muestra "después de la crisis" no estaba dentro del VAM para MC, por lo que si se hiciera por este mismo método, las muestras del momento "en crisis" tendrían los valores de MC también mucho más alto que el MAV, ya que en la metodología comúnmente utilizada el valor de MC estaba por encima del valor por el momento "después de la crisis". Por lo tanto, en la revisión de la Ordenanza de Potabilidad, es necesario describir una metodología de extracción que pueda expresar el riesgo real en relación con los niveles de cianotoxinas presentes en el agua cruda. Por lo tanto, es importante que el saneamiento se lleve a cabo lo antes posible en las ciudades aguas arriba de la planta de tratamiento de agua, para que los eventos como los que ocurrieron durante la "crisis del agua" no se vuelvan a experimentar. Además, a corto plazo, es necesario realizar un monitoreo periódico de los reservorios, integrando análisis de genómica, biogeoquímica y toxicidad, para señalar de antemano cualquier problema y garantizar la calidad del suministro, además de poder respaldar datos sobre La implementación del Plan de Contingencia, como precaución para que la situación de floración no aumente.

No início do ano de 2020, cerca de 9 milhões de habitantes da Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro dependente do Sistema Guandu, vivenciou uma crise no abastecimento de água, recebendo água com gosto e odor. Este trabalho realizou a análise da qualidade sanitária da água bruta, captada por esse sistema, em dois momentos distintos, "na crise" e "pós-crise", quanto à presença de cianobactérias e cianotoxinas na água bruta, através de estudos de metagenômica e de quantificação de cianotoxinas, microcistina (MC) e saxitoxina (SXT) por ELISA, comparando métodos de extração e processamento. Foram também realizadas análises de parâmetros de qualidade da água bruta, através da determinação dos níveis de coliformes totais e de Escherichia coli e de alguns parâmetros físico-químicos, de modo a se comparar com dados de análises do INEA. A água bruta captada nos dois momentos estava com níveis de Escherichia coli, acima da faixa de valores máximo permitidos (VMP) descrito na Resolução n. 357/2000 do CONAMA, enquanto os parâmetros físico-quimicos analisados apresentaram níveis satisfatórios, assim como os níveis das cianotoxinas, para SXT. Entretanto, destaque-se que na metodologia de extração por filtro, a amostra "pós-crise¨ não estava dentro do VMP para a cianotoxina MC. Portanto, caso a análise tivesse sido feita por esta mesma metodologia, é provável que os valores de MC das amostras no momento da crise também estariam acima do VMP. Isto porque, na metodologia comumente usada, o valor para MC foi acima do VMP para o momento ¨pós-crise¨. Portanto, na revisão da Portaria de Potabilidade se faz necessário descrever uma metodologia de extração que possa expressar o real risco em relação aos níveis de cianotoxinas presentes na água bruta. Desta forma, é importante que seja implementado, o quanto antes, o saneamento nas cidades a montante da captação de água bruta desse manancial, a fim de que eventos como os acontecidos durante a "crise hídrica" não seja vivenciado novamente. Além disso, a curto prazo, é necessária a realização de monitoramento periódico dos reservatórios, integrando as análises de genômica, biogeoquímica e de toxicidade, para que estação de tratamento tome as decisões adequadas para evitar algum problema e garantir a qualidade do abastecimento. Outrossim, esse recomendado procedimento poderá fornecer dados para a realização do Plano de Contingência, para que o quadro de floração não se amplie.

Soybean (Glycine max L) seed quality treated with timbó (Magonia pubescens A. St.-Hil) seed coat / Qualidade de sementes de soja (Glycine max L) tratadas com diasporo do tegumento de sementes de timbó (Magonia pubescens A. St.-Hil)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of timbó seed coat on the physiological and sanitary quality of soybean seeds. Timbó seeds were collected from mature fruits in the Cerrado. The external layer of the seed coat was removed and crushed in a mill and used in the treatment of soybean seeds. Three lots of soybean seeds were used, from high, medium and low vigor seeds. The treatments were: powder; gel; hydroalcoholic extract; synthetic fungicide (Vitavax® - Thiram 200 sc), and untreated seeds. The physiological quality of the soybean seeds was determined by standard germination, accelerated aging, length, fresh and dry mass of seedlings. Blotter test was used to determine the sanitary quality. The statistical analyze used was a completely randomized 3 × 5 factorial design, considering three seed lots and five treatments. Treatment with the coat seed extract and gel improves the physiological quality of soybean seeds from low vigor lots. The treatment of seeds with gel decreases the incidence of Fusarium and Penicillium genus; and treatment with the powder reduced the incidence of the Cercospora genus.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do tegumento das sementes de timbó sobre a qualidade fisiológica e sanitária de sementes de soja. As sementes de timbó foram coletadas de frutos maduros, no Cerrado. A camada mais externa do tegumento das sementes foi retirada e triturada em moinho e utilizada no tratamento de sementes de soja. Foram utilizados três lotes de sementes de soja, provenientes de sementes de alto, médio e baixo vigor. Os tratamentos foram: pó, gel, extrato hidroalcoólico; fungicida sintético (Vitavax® - Thiram 200 sc) e sementes não tratadas. A qualidade fisiológica das sementes de soja foi determinada pelo teste padrão de germinação, envelhecimento acelerado, comprimento, massa fresca e seca de plântulas. Para a determinação da qualidade sanitária utilizou-se o teste de borrão (blotter test). O delineamento estatístico foi em esquema fatorial 3 × 5, inteiramente casualizado, considerando-se três lotes de sementes e cinco tratamentos. Os tratamentos com o extrato e o gel do tegumento das sementes de timbó melhoraram a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de soja provenientes de lotes de baixo vigor. O tratamento com gel do tegumento das sementes de timbó diminuiu a incidência de fungos dos gêneros Fusarium e Penicillium; e o tratamento com o pó reduziu a incidência do gênero Cercospora.(AU)

Assessment of safety and quality of fermented milk of camels, cows, and goats sold and consumed in five localities of Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Fermented milk is food produced and consumed all over the world and plays an important role in human nutrition. This work aimed to evaluate the microbiological and physicochemical quality and mineral composition of fermented milk consumed in Burkina Faso. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 114 samples of fermented milk from camels, goats, and cows were purchased in the market in five localities in Burkina Faso; Bobo Dioulasso, Djibo, Dori, Gorom-Gorom, and Sebba. Microbiological and physical parameters were monitored using standards methods. RESULTS: Microbiological analysis of fermented milks showed high average values of 7.60±1.50×109 colony-forming unit per milliliter (CFU/ml), 5.72±3.60×107 CFU/ml, 5.53±2.00×105 CFU/ml, 1.97±0.18×103 CFU/ml, 1.98±0.25×103 CFU/ml, and 0.10±0.09×103 CFU/ml for total microbial flora, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and molds, Staphylococcus aureus, total coliforms, and thermotolerant coliforms, respectively. None of the samples were contaminated by Salmonella or Shigella. The average values of pH, acidity, dry matter, ash, fats, proteins, and total carbohydrates content of samples were ranged, respectively: 3.830-4.137, 1.888-2.822%, 8.271-13.004%, 0.199-0.476%, 1.210-3.863%, 2.125-3.764%, and 3.080-5.428 % (w/w). Na/K and Ca/Mg ratio ranged from 0.104 to 0.909 and from 3.392 to 16.996, respectively. Total microbial flora, yeasts and molds, total coliforms, fats, calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc were significantly different. CONCLUSION: This research contributed in the evaluation of the hygienic and nutritional qualities of local fermented milk. Results obtained in this study confirm the need to set up the training program on the sanitary condition to traditional maker's to ensure the good fermented milk with high organoleptic and nutritional qualities.

Physicochemical, nutritional, and quality parameters of salted semidried mullet (Chelon haematocheilus) prepared with different processing methods.

The mullet (Chelon haematocheilus) is a cosmopolitan coastal species. It is often consumed as a sliced raw fish in Korea and as a dried and salted fish roe in several countries, including the southeastern United States and Japan. In this study, to optimize traditional processing of salted semidried mullet (SSDM) for the development of high-quality products, nine different types of traditional process were applied, and quality changes including physicochemical, nutritional, and sanitary properties were observed. The approximate composition of SSDM was as follows: moisture, 66.1% to 71.8%; ash, 1.65% to 3.75%; crude protein, 16.12% to 18.09%; and crude lipid, 1.11% to 2.07%. The salinity, water activity (Aw), color parameters, peroxide value (POV), acid value (AV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) contents in fresh mullet (FM) and different SSDM groups were affected by different processing techniques including salt concentration and drying methods. In particular, the salinity was significantly increased, whereas the Aw was significantly decreased in all SSDM groups compared to those of FM group. In both FM and SSDM groups, the AV, POV, and TBA values gradually increased with prolonged storage and crude fat content; however, they were not affected by salinity. The amino and fatty acid content also varied depending on the processing method; however, the composition and protein patterns were similar among the groups. The total aerobic bacterial numbers of all SSDM groups were also influenced by different processing methods. The microbial numbers in the mullet after salted semidried treatment were markedly lower than in the FM group during refrigerated storage for 14 days. Therefore, salted semidried treatment for mullet show extended shelf life and improved microbiological safety and biochemical parameters during refrigerated storage.

Microbial quality of organic and conventional vegetables from Polish farms.

Microbiological analyses of lettuce, radish, carrot and beetroot were conducted to determine the effect of production system (organic and conventional) on the microbial quality of vegetables in Poland. During 2010-2014 growing seasons, 600 organic and 372 conventional samples were collected from certified farms. The vegetables were analyzed for aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and molds, Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms and Escherichia coli according to Polish standards. The farmer's survey was conducted to collect information on farm management practices. The index (from 0 - no risk to 4 - high risk) of potential contamination of the produce by human pathogens, related to fertilization system was developed. The mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and molds, coliforms and Enterobacteriaceae numbers for the radish and carrot were similar for organic and conventional cultivation systems (mesophilic bacteria 7.0 log10 cfu g-1 and 6.6 log10 cfu g-1; yeasts and molds 5.1 and 4.8; coliforms 1.3 and 1.5; Enterobacteriaceae 2.1 and 2.3 for radish and carrot respectively). Organic lettuce harbored significantly more bacteria than conventional (mesophilic 6.7 log10 cfu g-1 and 6.4 log10 cfu g-1, coliforms 1.8 and 1.4; Enterobacteriaceae 2.5 and 1.9 for organic and conventional respectively). Organic beetroot contained higher number of yeasts and molds (5.1 log10 cfu g-1) and Enterobacteriaceae (2.9 log10 cfu g-1) than conventional (4.9 and 2.5 log10 cfu g-1). The vegetables from organic farms showed significantly higher load of E. coli (on average 0.42 log10 cfu g-1) than conventionally cultivated vegetables (in average 0.05 log10 cfu g-1). The index 0-4 of potential risk of produce contamination by human pathogens was created according to fertilization practices in both farm types. Its value increased with enhanced contribution of manures and other animal wastes. In organic production the main fertilization practice was application of animal manures, composted and not composted. A popular practice was also top dressing of growing plants with fermented plant extracts, sometimes enriched with dungwater. In conventional farming system mineral fertilization was the main source of the vegetable nutrition. Therefore, organic produce indicated higher index of contamination risk (2-4) than conventional vegetables (1-2). High indexes were positively associated with higher number of E. coli. It was found that fertilization system practiced in organic farms may deteriorate sanitary quality of the produce.

Patents for the Morphophysiological Quality of Seedlings and Grafted Peach Trees: Effects of Nutrient Solution and Substrates.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to verify the influence of different substrates with and without addition of nutrient solution on the roostocks production of Capdeboscq cultivar and grafted peach plants of 'Chimarrita' scion. METHODS: In the first experiment, the height and stem diameter of the rootstocks were evaluated every two weeks, up to 90 days after transplanting (DAT). At 90 DAT, dry weight of shoots and roots, total dry mass and Dickson Quality Index were evaluated. In the second experiment, seedlings of 'Capdeboscq' were grafted with 'Chimarrita' scion. The growth of the scions and the percentage of living grafts were evaluated. At 146 DAT, the stem diameter of the scions, the SPAD index, the chlorophyll and nitrogen balance index were evaluated. DISCUSSION: The greatest mean values for the stem diameter of seedlings of the cv. Capdeboscq were obtained with the substrates T4 (5.53 mm); T2 (5.47 mm) and T1 (5.23 mm) with addition of nutrient solution, with seedlings reaching the plant standards according to the ordinance number 173 of May 27th of 1984, which recommends that rootstocks have to have a minimum stem diameter of 5.0 mm. Thus, the substrates which received the addition of nutrient solution, except the soil substrate, were adequate considering the rules that governing the peach tree production in Brazilian Nurserioes. CONCLUSION: The nutrient solution already avaliblabe for Recent patents is highly indicated to obtain seedlings of 'Capbdboscq' rootstocks with high mophophysiological quality in less time during nursery cycle of plant production. The largest stem diameter for 'Capdeboscq' was obtained with substrate 35% sand + 15% soil + 50% bovine manure (5.53 mm); 75% sand + 25% soil (5.47 mm) and 100% sand (5.23 mm) with addition of nutrient solution. The best morphophysiological characteristics of 'Chimarrita' plants grafted on 'Capdeboscq' seedlings was obtained with the use of substrates 75% sand + 25% soil and 35% sand + 15% soil + 50% bovine manure, whose plants reached a morphological standard for sale, in just four and a half months DAT, that is 56 days after grafting.

Nanoscale Zinc Oxide Particles for Improving the Physiological and Sanitary Quality of a Mexican Landrace of Red Maize.

In this research, quasi-spherical-shaped zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized by a simple cost-competitive aqueous precipitation method. The engineered NPs were characterized using several validation methodologies: UV–Vis spectroscopy, diffuse reflection UV–Vis, spectrofluorometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (ATR). A procedure was established to coat a landrace of red maize using gelatinized maize starch. Each maize seed was treated with 0.16 mg ZnO NPs (~7.7 × 108 particles). The standard germination (SG) and accelerated aging (AA) tests indicated that ZnO NP-treated maize seeds presented better physiological quality (higher percentage of normal seedlings) and sanitary quality (lower percentage of seeds contaminated by microorganisms) as compared to controls. The application of ZnO NPs also improved seedling vigor, correlated to shoot length, shoot diameter, root length, and number of secondary roots. Furthermore, shoots and roots of the ZnO NP-treated maize seeds showed a marked increment in the main active FTIR band areas, most notably for the vibrations associated with peptide-protein, lipid, lignin, polysaccharide, hemicellulose, cellulose, and carbohydrate. From these results, it is concluded that ZnO NPs have potential for applications in peasant agriculture to improve the quality of small-scale farmers’ seeds and, as a result, preserve germplasm resources.

Calidad higiénico-sanitaria en plantas de faena de la provincia de Tucumán: Detección, aislamiento y caracterización de Escherichia coli productor de toxina Shiga / Hygienic-sanitary quality in abattoirs from Tucuman province, Argentina: Detection, isolation and characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli

Los bovinos son el principal reservorio de Escherichia coli productor de toxina Shiga (STEC); las estrategias para evitar su transmisión se concentran en la planta de faena. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la calidad higiénico-sanitaria y la frecuencia de detección de STEC en medias reses bovinas de frigoríficos de tránsito provincial. Se procesaron 274 esponjados de media res; en 9 (3,3%) el recuento de E. coli genérico fue marginal, en 4 (1,4%) se aisló E. coli O157, de los cuales 2 fueron caracterizados como stx2c(vh-a)/eae/ehxA, y los otros 2 como no toxigénicos. A partir de una (0,4%) muestra se aisló E. coli no-O157 ONT:H49, stx2a/ehxA/saa. En este trabajo la calidad del producto analizado indica que en la provincia de Tucumán se cumplen las buenas prácticas de manufactura en la faena de bovinos.

Cattle are the main reservoir of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and the strategies to prevent the transmission of these microorganisms are concentrated in the slaughtering plant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary quality and the frequency of detection of STEC in beef carcasses in abattoirs from Tucuman province. Two hundred and seventy four beef carcass sponges were processed; the count of generic E. coli was marginal in 9 (3,3%) of them. Escherichia coli O157 was isolated in 4 (1,4%) samples; 2 of which were characterized as stx2c(vh-a)/eae/ehxA whereas the other 2 were non-toxigenic strains. Non-O157 E. coli ONT:H49, stx2a/ehxA/saa was isolated from 1 sample (0,4%). In this work the quality of the analyzed product indicates that the good practices of manufacture are fulfilled in slaughtering facilities in Tucumán province.

[Hygienic-sanitary quality in abattoirs from Tucuman province, Argentina. Detection, isolation and characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli]. / Calidad higiénico-sanitaria en plantas de faena de la provincia de Tucumán. Detección, aislamiento y caracterización de Escherichia coli productor de toxina Shiga.

Cattle are the main reservoir of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and the strategies to prevent the transmission of these microorganisms are concentrated in the slaughtering plant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary quality and the frequency of detection of STEC in beef carcasses in abattoirs from Tucuman province. Two hundred and seventy four beef carcass sponges were processed; the count of generic E. coli was marginal in 9 (3,3%) of them. Escherichia coli O157 was isolated in 4 (1,4%) samples; 2 of which were characterized as stx2c(vh-a)/eae/ehxA whereas the other 2 were non-toxigenic strains. Non-O157 E. coli ONT:H49, stx2a/ehxA/saa was isolated from 1 sample (0,4%). In this work the quality of the analyzed product indicates that the good practices of manufacture are fulfilled in slaughtering facilities in Tucumán province.

Development and application of modified military water tank / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To improve the existing military water tank to prevent water pollution.Methods The modified water tank was composed of a lip,body,a floating ring filled with foam materials,a zipper,multi faucets,drain valve,rack and etc.The zipper on the top of the tank could close down the tank,the faucets at the lower part realized water supply,and the drain valve at the bottom discharged residual water.Results The dust,small animals and etc were prevented from going into the tank with the consumed water decreased,and the tank was easy to clean.Conclusion The tank contributes to military water supply at field conditions,and is worthy promoting practically.

Quantification of Vibrio species in oysters from the Gulf of Mexico with two procedures based on MPN and PCR.

Oysters can accumulate potentially pathogenic water bacteria. The objective of this study was to compare two procedures to quantify Vibrio species present in oysters to determine the most sensitive method. We analyzed oyster samples from the Gulf of Mexico, commercialized in Mexico City. The samples were inoculated in tubes with alkaline peptone water (APW), based on three tubes and four dilutions (10-1 to 10-4). From these tubes, the first quantification of Vibrio species was performed (most probable number (MPN) from tubes) and bacteria were inoculated by streaking on thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) petri dishes. Colonies were isolated for a second quantification (MPN from dishes). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine species with specific primers: ompW for Vibrio cholerae, tlh for Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and VvhA for Vibrio vulnificus. Simultaneously, the sanitary quality of oysters was determined. The quantification of V. parahaemolyticus was significantly higher in APW tubes than in TCBS dishes. Regarding V. vulnificus counts, the differences among both approaches were not significant. In contrast, the MPNs of V. cholerae obtained from dishes were higher than from tubes. The quantification of MPNs through PCR of V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus obtained from APW was sensitive and recommendable for the detection of both species. In contrast, to quantify V. cholerae, it was necessary to isolate colonies on TCBS prior PCR. Culturing in APW at 42 °C could be an alternative to avoid colony isolation. The MPNs of V. cholerae from dishes was associated with the bad sanitary quality of the samples.

Caracterização e quantificação da população de fungos em área de produção de feno de capim Tifton 85, adubado com biofertilizante suíno / Characterization and quantification of the population of fungi in area of Tifton 85 bermudagrass hay fertilized with swine biofertilizer

RESUMO: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi quantificar e identificar a ocorrência dos principais gêneros de fungos, no solo, material vegetal morto, raiz e parte aérea no capim Tifton 85, adubado com biofertilizante suíno, 7 dias após o início da rebrota. As avaliações foram realizadas, durante seu desenvolvimento (15; 22; 29 e 36 dias após o início da rebrota), no momento do enfardamento e no feno, com 30 dias de armazenamento. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com quatro locais de coleta no campo de produção de feno (solo, parte aérea da planta, raiz e material vegetal morto), e 6 tempos de avaliação para parte aérea da planta (15; 22; 29; e 36 dias início da rebrota, no momento do enfardamento e com 30 dias de armazenamento) e quatro tempos de avaliação para solo, raiz e material vegetal morto (15; 22; 29; e 36 dias após início da rebrota). Na contagem e identificação dos gêneros dos fungos referentes a cada parte da planta e solo, foram calculadas as médias e essas submetidas à análise descritiva. Uma maior população fúngica foi observada no material vegetal morto e solo, predominando o gênero Penicillium em todas as partes da planta estudadas.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to quantify and identify the occurrence of the main genres of fungi soil, dead plant material, roots and shoots in Tifton 85 fertilized with swine biofertilizer, 7 days after start of regrowth. The evaluation were carried out during development (15, 22, 29 and 36 days of age) at the time of baling, hay and 30 days of storage. The experimental design was randomized blocks with split plots in time sub with 4 sampling sites (soil, plant tops, roots and dead plant material), and 6 times of evaluation for aerial part of the plant (15, 22, 29 and 36 days of regrowth, at the time of baling and 30 days of storage) and 4-cycle assessment for soil, roots and dead plant material (15, 22, 29 and 36 days of regrowth). In the counting and identification of genera of fungi belonging to each part of the plant and soil were averaged and those submitted to descriptive analysis. Greater fungal population was observed in soil and dead plant material, predominantly Penicillium in all parts of the plant studied.

Auditoria interna: ferramenta para subsidiar o planejamento de ações corretivas em uma unidade de alimentação e nutrição hospitalar

A alimentação deve atender seus atributos de qualidade e ser inócua aos indivíduos que dela vão usufruir. Contudo, partindo da premissa de que os alimentos podem ser veículos de transmissão de micro-organismos e metabólitos microbianos, as unidades hospitalares responsáveis pela produção de alimentos merecem especial atenção. A implementação de programas de qualidade, tais como as Boas Práticas, são fundamentais para garantia de um alimento seguro para saúde. Entretanto, estes programas para obterem êxito no seu propósito, devem adotar ferramentas para avaliar sua eficácia. A auditoria interna é considerada um instrumento de apoio, pois através dela é possível detectar problemas e adotar medidas preventivas e corretivas. Com isto, este estudo teve como objetivo planejar ações corretivas a partir de não conformidades identificadas pelas auditorias interna em uma UAN hospitalar localizado no município de Maceió, AL. O estudo teve caráter retrospectivo, onde foram avaliadas 12 auditorias internas realizadas durante os meses de outubro/2011 a março/2012, avaliando-se os seguintes critérios: higiene pessoal, armazenamento de gêneros, higiene de alimentos, higiene de utensílios, equipamentos e ambiente. Baseando-se nos critérios pré-estabelecidos nas auditorias externas, foram estabelecidos como ponto de corte para implantação da ação corretiva, os pontos em que o percentual foi abaixo de 80%, visto que é objetivo da empresa manter a classificação superior a este percentual. Os resultados indicaram que os itens de higiene de equipamentos, ambiente e pessoal estiveram abaixo da porcentagem de 80% de conformidades. Dentre as não conformidades recorrentes nas auditorias destacam-se deficiência na higienização de equipamentos, frequência da higienização das mãos inadequadas e desorganização do ambiente de trabalho. As capacitações foram desenvolvidas focando nestas deficiências. Durante as atividades foi possível perceber uma integração entre os participantes...

Nourishment must meet their quality attributes and be innocuous to individuals who will make use of it. However, on the premise that food can be vehicles of transmission oi microorganisms and microbial metabolites, the hospital units responsible for producing food deserve special attention. The implementation of quality programs, as well as the Good Practices are primordial to ensure safe food for health. Meantime, for these programs to be successful in their purpose, evaluating measures must adopted to assess ther effectiveness. The internal audit is considered supporting tool, through it you can detect problems and take preventive and corrective measures. Thus, this work aimed to plan corrective actions to variances identified by internal audits in a hospital in Maceió city, AL (UAN). The work had a retrospective feature in which 12 internal audits were appraised from October/2011 to March/2012. The evaluated criteria was: personal hygiene, genres storage, food hygiene, cleanliness of utensils, equipment and environment. Based on predetermined criteria in external audits, the cutoff point for implantation of corrective action was established when the score was below 80%, since the company' s goal is to maintain a rating higher than this percentage. The results indicated that items of equipment hygiene, personal and environment hygiene were below the percentage of 80% compliance. Among the recurrent variances in audits, equipment hygiene deficiency, frequent inadequate cleanliness of hands and workplace disorganization are the most common. The trainings were developed focusing on these deficiencies. During activities the participants' integration and motivation to applicability of the transferred information were clearly noticeable. However, it is necessary constant supervision of the activities conducted by employees in that UAN as well as permanent training.

Casca de ovo como fonte de cálcio para humanos: composição mineral e análise microbiológica / Eggshell as calcium source for humans: mineral composition and microbiological analysis

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a composição mineral de diferentes tipos de cascas de ovo, bem como a segurança microbiológica de amostras submetidas a diferentes métodos de higienização. Para a obtenção do pó de casca de ovo, as cascas foram lavadas, higienizadas, secas em estufa e trituradas em moinho. Cascas de ovo de granja (criação confinada), de coloração branca e vermelha, e cascas de ovo coloniais (caipira), provenientes da região central do Rio Grande do Sul, foram comparadas quanto a sua composição mineral. O Ca, mineral predominante na casca de ovo, se manteve em concentrações semelhantes nas diferentes amostras (cerca de 365mg g-1). As cascas de ovo de granja apresentaram maior concentração de Mg e menor concentração de Sr que as cascas de ovo coloniais. Não foram encontradas quantidades significativas de Fe, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Al, Cd e Pb nas amostras analisadas. Adicionalmente, tanto amostras higienizadas com imersão em hipoclorito e posterior fervura em água, quanto amostras nas quais a imersão em hipoclorito foi suprimida, não apresentaram contaminação por coliformes, estafilococos ou salmonela. Os resultados indicam que a casca de ovo pode ser utilizada na nutrição humana, já que é rica em Ca, não apresenta contaminação por metais tóxicos e, se processada de forma adequada, apresenta boa qualidade higiênico-sanitária.

This study aimed to evaluate the mineral composition of different kinds of eggshell, as well as the microbiological safety of samples submitted to different sanitization procedures. To obtain the eggshell powder, the shells were washed, sanitized, oven dried and grinded in a mill. White- and brown-colored eggshells from confined laying hens and eggshells from free-ranged laying hens from the central region of Rio Grande do Sul were compared for their mineral composition. Ca, the predominant mineral in eggshells, remained at similar concentrations in the different samples (approximately 365mg g-1). Eggshells from confined laying hens had higher Mg concentration and lower Sr concentration than the shells from free-ranged laying hens. No significant amounts of Fe, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Al, Cd or Pb were found in the samples. Additionally, both samples that were sanitized by immersion in hypochlorite and subsequently boiled in water as well as samples in which hypochlorite immersion was suppressed did not show coliform, staphylococcus or salmonella contamination. The results indicate that eggshell can be used in human nutrition since it is rich Ca source, shows no contamination by toxic metals and has good sanitary quality when properly processed.

Sanitary quality, occurrence and identification of Staphylococcus sp. in food services.

Sanitary conditions are essential for the production of meals and control of the presence of pathogensis important to guarantee the health of customers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sanitary quality of food services by checking the presence of thermotolerant coliforms, Staphylococcus sp. and evaluate the toxigenic potential from the latter. The analysis was performed on water, surfaces, equipment, ready-to-eat foods, hands and nasal cavity of handlers in seven food services. The water used in food services proved to be suitable for the production of meals. Most food, equipment and surfaces showed poor sanitary conditions due to the presence of thermotolerant coliforms (60.6%). Twenty-six Staphylococcus species were identified from the 121 Staphylococcus isolates tested. Staphylococci coagulase-negative species were predominant in the foods, equipment and surfaces. In food handlers and foods, the predominant species was Staphylococcus epidermidis. Twelve different genotypes were found after PCR for the classical enterotoxin genes. The seb gene (19.8%) was the most prevalent among all Staphylococcus sp. Both coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative Staphylococci showed some of the genes of the enterotoxins tested. We conclude that there are hygienic and sanitary deficiencies in the food services analyzed. Although coagulase-positive Staphylococci have not been present in foods there is a wide dispersion of enterotoxigenic coagulase-negative Staphylococci in the environment and in the foods analyzed, indicating a risk to consumer health.