SANITARY AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND BACTERIOLOGICAL ADEQUACY OF MINAS ARTISANAL CHEESE PRODUCED IN TWO PROPERTIES

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe the sanitary conditions of artisanal dairies, to determine physicochemical and bacteriological parameters, and the minimum maturation period to guarantee the safety of Minas Artisanal cheese produced in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais state. The analyzes were performed up to the 26 days of maturation, on cheese from two properties, before and after training on good practices, totaling 10 lots (productions) with 12 cheeses each. Physicochemical and bacteriological analyzes were performed on cheeses and bacteriological analyzes in environmental samples. Up to 26 days of maturation, the cheese was classified as fat and low moisture, but considering maturation up to ten days (usual commercialization period), cheese is fat with medium moisture. The maturation time influenced the physicochemical indices, except for the fat in the dry matter. Environmental bacteriological analyzes demonstrated poor hygiene and faults or absence in water treatment. Maturation and training influenced the reduction of total coliforms and E. coli, but not Staphylococcus coagulase positive, and it was not possible to determine a minimum maturation period that would guarantee compliance with the legislation. The physicochemical analysis showed expected variations, such as the reduction of the percentage of moisture and the bacteriological analyzes reflected the training applied to the manipulators, since there was a reduction in the counts of total coliforms and E. coli; however, to guarantee the innocuity of the product, set of actions should be applied, including reinforcement and repetition of training, recording of activities, traceability, associated with regular monitoring and inspection.