Martha Eunice de Bessa

AVALIAÇÃO DA QUALIDADE DE QUEIJOS RALADOS PARA PROTEÇÃO À SAÚDE PÚBLICA

By definition Grated cheese, is the product obtained by crumbling or grating cheese of low humidity suitable for human consumption. It is a food widely consumed by the population, however it can offers some risks to public health when it is contaminated with a pathogen. The Foodborne Diseases (FBD) are caused by ingestion of food or drink that contains pathogens and/or toxins produced by them in quantities that affect the health of consumers. Among the microorganisms that cause FBD of importance in cheese stand out, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp. e Escherichia coli . The related legislation in Brazil, the RDC no 12 and the Ordinance no 357 regulates the microbiological standards for foods. This study evaluated the quality of samples of grated cheese marketed in the city of Juiz de Fora , MG. Twenty samples were analyzed. Forty percent were rejected for the counting of molds and yeasts and 15% had counts close to the acceptation limit for these microorganisms. Concerning to moisture analyses, 20% of the samples were in disagreement with the limit established by legislation to low moisture cheeses. These results show that grated cheese industries should be better monitored by health authorities, so that the final product has quality and safety guaranteed.

Sensory perception of the fermented goat milk: potential application of the DSC method

Goat milk and its derivatives present proven beneficial health properties; however, some sensory aspects associated to consumers’ expectations restrict the consumption growth for these products. In this work, fermented caprine milk formulations have been evaluated utilizing the methodology of Discourse of the Collective Subject (Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo – DSC) associated to sensory analysis, in order to evaluate the perception of fermented caprine milk by consumers. The physicochemical and microbiological requisites of the fermented milk formulations evaluated during the storage, were according to current legislation. The probiotic characteristics of evaluated formulations were preserved, presenting viable cells counts for Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5, Bifidobacterium BB-12, and Streptococcus thermophilus higher than 1x106 CFU/mL, along 28 days of storage. The Discourse of the Collective Subject results have shown that the typical taste and flavor, present in products derived from caprine milk, did not influence the purchase intention, which was expressive for all fermented milks. The Discourse of the Collective Subject has elucidated the consumers’ perspective, determining then both, the consumers’ profile and the factors interfering on the acquisition of fermented caprine milk.

A promising antibiotic, synergistic and antibiofilm effects of Vernonia condensata Baker (Asteraceae) on Staphylococcus aureus

Vernonia condensata Baker is traditionally used to treat several inflammatory and infectious processes. So, this study evaluated the antibiotic, synergistic and antibiofilm effects, and the mode of action of ethyl acetate fraction from V. condensata leaves (Vc-EAF) against Staphylococcus aureus. Five S. aureus ATCC® and five methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) routine strains were used to determine Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration. The combinatory effect was evaluated by checkerboard and time kill methods; the mode of action through the bacterial cell viability and leakage of compounds absorbing at 280 nm; and the antibiofilm action by quantifying the percentage of adhesion inhibition. Vc-EAF was active against S. aureus (ATCC® 6538™), (ATCC® 25923™), (ATCC® 29213™), (ATCC® 33591™), (ATCC® 33592™), MRSA 1485279, 1605677, 1664534, 1688441 and 1830466, with MIC of 625 μg/mL for ATCC®, and 1250, 1250, >2500, 2500 and 2500 μg/mL for MRSA, in this order, with bacteriostatic effect for both ATCC® and MRSA strains. Vc-EAF plus ampicillin revealed a total synergic effect on MRSA 1485279, and Vc-EAF combined with chloramphenicol, a partial synergic action against S. aureus (ATCC® 29213™) and (ATCC® 25923™). The time kill data agreed with checkerboard results, and the treated cells number was reduced with release of bacterial content. An expressive bacterial adhesion inhibition for S. aureus (ATCC® 25923™) and MRSA 1485279 was detected. These results showed that V. condensata is a promising natural source of active substances against S. aureus, including multiresistant strains, interfering with their antibacterial growth and hampering their adhesion to surfaces.