Microbiological evaluation of acerolas from a private cultivated orchard in the city of Macapá, Amapá, Brazil

Resumo

Worldwide, there is a significant increase in the consumption of tropical fruits, due to its characteristics and characteristics, among them acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.), Where Brazil has a very favorable climate for its culture. The acerola fruits were collected in February 2019 in a private cultivated orchard in the municipality of Macapá-AP. For microbiological analyzes, the determination of total, thermotolerant and Salmonella sp. according to standard techniques in food microbiology. Total and thermotolerant coliforms with values ranging from 2.1x10² to> 1.1x10³ NMP / g were found in the samples of acerola in the wild, while salmonella were not identified. With these findings, it was necessary to carry out pasteurization, which caused a 100% reduction in contamination by microorganisms, leaving it in accordance with current legislation. In the initial microbiological analyzes, high counts of microorganisms were demonstrated, making pasteurization necessary for decontamination, making them fit for consumption