INCIDENCE OF MICROORGANISMS THAT CAN CONTAMINATE FRUIT PULP SOLD IN NATURA IN POPULAR FREE MARKETS OF THE CITY OF SÃO LUÍS-MA (BRAZIL)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias de diversos tipos de polpas de frutas comercializadas nas feiras livres de São Luís-MA, Brasil. Realizaram-se as análises de coliformes a 45ºC, Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e bolores e leveduras em 40 amostras adquiridas em feiras livres. Os resultados mostraram ausência de Salmonella sp. e Staphylococcus coagulase positiva nas alíquotas das amostras, respectivamente, 25 mL e 0,1 mL. Porém, verificou-se 100% de contaminação por bolores e leveduras e 12% por coliformes a 45°C. Algumas cepas de enterobactérias patogênicas ao homem foram identificadas, dentre as quais Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii, Erwinia uredovora e Proteus mirabilis.The aim of this work was to evaluate the sanitary condition of different kinds of fruits pulps merchandized in the popular free markets of the city of São Luís-MA, Brazil. Analysis of the following bacteria were performed: coliforms at 45ºC, Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus positive coagulase, as well as the presence of moulds and yeast in 40 pulp samples purchased at the cited markets. Results showed the absence of Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus positive coagulase. Nevertheless 100% were contaminated by moulds and yeast and 12% contaminated by coliforms at 45°C. Some strains of human pathogenic enterobacteria were identified, such as Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii, Erwinia uredovora and Proteus mirabilis