Microbiological evaluation of ice cream sold in the city of Pouso Alegre - MG

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of ice cream sold in the city of Pouso Alegre ­ MG. Two ice cream samples were acquired from 18 ice cream parlors in a 30-day interval, totaling 36 samples. The ice cream samples were subjected to analysis for enumeration of total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, coagulase positive Staphylococci and Salmonella spp. The analyzes were performed according to the protocols of the American Public Health Association described in the Compendium of Methods for the Microbiological Examination of Foods. In this study no species of Salmonella spp. were found, however, there were samples contaminated by E. coli and coagulase positive Staphylococci. 13.89% of the analyzed samples were outside the established standards. It was also verified the presence of total coliforms in 77.78% and Staphylococcus sp. in 36.11% and, although the current legislation does not mention contamination limits for these microorganisms, it can be said that the raw material was contaminated, that the hygiene, processing and storage conditions were inadequate for this product. The analyzed samples obtained from ice cream parlors in the central region were the most contaminated, where the presence of E. coli and coagulase positive Staphylococci was found. The presence of these microorganisms suggests failures at some point in the processing, storage or sale of these products, making them unsuitable and not only causing a faster deterioration of the ice cream, but also putting the consumer's health at risk