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de Aragão Freire Ferreira Finger J, de Almeida Silva G, Bernardino MC, Andrade DKA, Maffei DF, Pinto UM. Investigating processing practices and microbiological quality of minimally processed vegetables in Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s42770-024-01275-4. [PMID: 38472699 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01275-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Minimally processed vegetables (MPVs) are marketed as convenient and healthy choices for consumers. However, the absence of post-commercialization treatments raises concerns about their microbiological safety. This study investigated the processing practices of 28 Brazilian MPV plants and compared the microbiological quality of these products with fresh counterparts in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Through cluster analysis, the processing plants were categorized into two groups: group 1 (nineteen plants) primarily uses chemical substances in the washing step, while group 2 (nine plants) avoids chemical use but employs similar rinsing practices. Microbiological analysis of 100 samples (49 unprocessed and 51 MPVs) revealed no significant differences in microbial group counts (Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, and E. coli) between the in natura (unprocessed) and MPV products. However, the prevalence of E. coli was higher in natura vegetables than in MPVs. The results indicated the presence of Salmonella DNA (from either dead or live cells or residual DNA) in 4 samples (3 in natura and 1 MPV) using conventional PCR, suggesting the presence of the pathogen in these samples. Listeria monocytogenes was absent, but Listeria innocua was found in two unprocessed products. The study suggests that certain MPVs have microbial loads similar to unprocessed vegetables, potentially serving as carriers for pathogen transmission. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding practices in Brazilian MPV processing plants, informing the implementation of control measures to improve MPV safety and shelf-life, thus ensuring microbiological safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica de Aragão Freire Ferreira Finger
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes, 580. B14, Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
- Food Research Center (FoRC-CEPID), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme de Almeida Silva
- Department of Nutrition in Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Calado Bernardino
- Department of Nutrition in Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Dhuelly Kelly Almeida Andrade
- Department of Agri-Food Industry, Food and Nutrition, Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniele Fernanda Maffei
- Food Research Center (FoRC-CEPID), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Agri-Food Industry, Food and Nutrition, Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Uelinton Manoel Pinto
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes, 580. B14, Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil.
- Food Research Center (FoRC-CEPID), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Silva MBRD, Maffei DF, Moreira DA, Dias M, Mendes MA, Franco BDGDM. Agricultural practices in Brazilian organic farms and microbiological characteristics of samples collected along the production chain. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 132:1185-1196. [PMID: 34365710 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To gather data on agricultural practices in organic farms in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and evaluate their relationship with the microbiological characteristics of samples collected along the production chain. METHODS AND RESULTS Practices data were based on field observations and interviews with farmers in 10 selected organic lettuce producing farms. Counts of Enterobacteriaceae and surveys for Salmonella were performed in samples of lettuce (before and after washing), fertilizers, irrigation and washing water, all collected in the same farm. Water samples were also tested for total coliforms and generic Escherichia coli. Isolated Enterobacteriaceae were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Contamination of lettuce was influenced by some agricultural practices: chicken manure-based fertilization resulted in higher Enterobacteriaceae counts in lettuce when compared to other types of manure, whereas pre-washed lettuces presented lower microbial counts than non-pre-washed samples. Salmonella was detected in one lettuce sample by qPCR. Escherichia coli was detected in all irrigation water samples. All sample types contained Enterobacteriaceae species commonly reported as opportunistic human pathogens. CONCLUSIONS The data highlight the need for improvement in the good agricultural practices in the studied farms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study provides information on agricultural practices and microbiological characteristics of organic lettuce, contributing to the development of more accurate risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Belchior Rosendo da Silva
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniele Fernanda Maffei
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Agri-food Industry, Food and Nutrition, ‟Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Debora Andrade Moreira
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Meriellen Dias
- Dempster MS Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnic School of University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Anita Mendes
- Dempster MS Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnic School of University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bernadette Dora Gombossy de Melo Franco
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Finger JAFF, Maffei DF, Dias M, Mendes MA, Pinto UM. Microbiological quality and safety of minimally processed parsley (Petroselinum crispum) sold in food markets, southeastern Brazil. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 131:272-280. [PMID: 33211380 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study evaluated the microbiological quality and safety of minimally processed parsley sold in southeastern Brazilian food markets. METHODS AND RESULTS One hundred samples were submitted to the enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae by plating on MacConkey agar. Colonies of Enterobacteriaceae were randomly selected and identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Samples were also tested for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella sp. The mean count of Enterobacteriaceae was 6·0 ± 1·0 log CFU per gram, while 18 genera (including 30 species) of bacteria belonging to this family were identified. Salmonella and L. monocytogenes were not detected, while L. innocua was found in two samples and L. fleischmannii was found in one sample. Moreover generic Escherichia coli was found in three samples, all from different brands of minimally processed parsley. CONCLUSIONS Even though microbial pathogens were not isolated, a variety of indicator micro-organisms were identified, including vegetable spoilers and species capable of causing human opportunistic infections. These results suggest hygienic failures and/or lack of temperature control during processing and storage of these ready-to-eat products. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY This study highlights the need for control measures during the production chain of minimally processed parsley in order to reduce microbial contamination and the risks of foodborne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A F F Finger
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Food Research Center (FoRC-CEPID), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - D F Maffei
- Food Research Center (FoRC-CEPID), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Department of Agri-food Industry, Food and Nutrition, Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - M Dias
- Dempster MS Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - M A Mendes
- Dempster MS Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - U M Pinto
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Food Research Center (FoRC-CEPID), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Maffei DF, Moreira DA, Silva MBR, Faria DB, Saldaña E, Ishimura I, Landgraf M, Franco BDGM. Assessing the relationship between organic farming practices and microbiological characteristics of organic lettuce varieties (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in Sao Paulo, Brazil. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 127:237-247. [PMID: 30989772 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to gather information on farming practices employed in organic lettuce fields in Sao Paulo, Brazil and associate these practices with the microbiological characteristics of the products. METHODS AND RESULTS Practices were surveyed using a questionnaire applied in ten farms, where 200 heads of lettuce were collected and submitted to enumeration of total coliforms and generic Escherichia coli and tested for Salmonella spp. using culture and molecular (qPCR) methods. Based on the responses, the farms could be clustered in two groups: group 1, comprised by six farms, where chicken manure was used as fertilizer in most of them and the composting process was not performed on site; and group 2, comprised by four farms, where other types of fertilizer were used, and the composting process was performed on site. Generic E. coli was detected in 56 (28%) samples, with an average of 1·1 ± 0·7 log MPN per g. Salmonella DNA was detected in two (1%) samples by qPCR. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence and bacterial loads of generic E. coli, and the occurrence of Salmonella, even at low populations undetectable by conventional culture methods, highlight the need for control measures during farming practices to reduce microbial contamination and risks of foodborne illnesses. These measures include the use of properly composted manure and appropriate washing procedures for leafy vegetables before consumption. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The obtained data contribute to a better understanding of the farming practices of organically grown lettuces in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- D F Maffei
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Agri-food Industry, Food and Nutrition, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - D A Moreira
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - M B R Silva
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - D B Faria
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - E Saldaña
- Department of Agri-food Industry, Food and Nutrition, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - I Ishimura
- Sao Paulo State Agency for Agribusiness Technology (APTA), Sao Roque, SP, Brazil
| | - M Landgraf
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - B D G M Franco
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Brasileiro IS, Barbosa M, Igarashi MC, Biscola V, Maffei DF, Landgraf M, Franco BDGDM. Use of growth inhibitors for control of Listeria monocytogenes in heat-processed ready-to-eat meat products simulating post-processing contamination. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2016.06.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Maffei DF, Sant'Ana AS, Monteiro G, Schaffner DW, Franco BDGM. Assessing the effect of sodium dichloroisocyanurate concentration on transfer of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium in wash water for production of minimally processed iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Lett Appl Microbiol 2016; 62:444-51. [PMID: 27105015 DOI: 10.1111/lam.12577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study evaluated the impact of sodium dichloroisocyanurate (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 250 mg l(-1) ) in wash water on transfer of Salmonella Typhimurium from contaminated lettuce to wash water and then to other noncontaminated lettuces washed sequentially in the same water. Experiments were designed mimicking the conditions commonly seen in minimally processed vegetable (MPV) processing plants in Brazil. The scenarios were as follows: (1) Washing one inoculated lettuce portion in nonchlorinated water, followed by washing 10 noninoculated portions sequentially. (2) Washing one inoculated lettuce portion in chlorinated water followed by washing five noninoculated portions sequentially. (3) Washing five inoculated lettuce portions in chlorinated water sequentially, followed by washing five noninoculated portions sequentially. (4) Washing five noninoculated lettuce portions in chlorinated water sequentially, followed by washing five inoculated portions sequentially and then by washing five noninoculated portions sequentially in the same water. Salm. Typhimurium transfer from inoculated lettuce to wash water and further dissemination to noninoculated lettuces occurred when nonchlorinated water was used (scenario 1). When chlorinated water was used (scenarios 2, 3 and 4), no measurable Salm. Typhimurium transfer occurred if the sanitizer was ≥10 mg l(-1) . Use of sanitizers in correct concentrations is important to minimize the risk of microbial transfer during MPV washing. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY In this study, the impact of sodium dichloroisocyanurate in the wash water on transfer of Salmonella Typhimurium from inoculated lettuce to wash water and then to other noninoculated lettuces washed sequentially in the same water was evaluated. The use of chlorinated water, at concentration above 10 mg l(-1) , effectively prevented Salm. Typhimurium transfer under several different washing scenarios. Conversely, when nonchlorinated water was used, Salm. Typhimurium transfer occurred in up to at least 10 noninoculated batches of lettuce washed sequentially in the same water.
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Affiliation(s)
- D F Maffei
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food Research Center, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - A S Sant'Ana
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - G Monteiro
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - D W Schaffner
- Department of Food Science, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - B D G M Franco
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food Research Center, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Devides GGG, Maffei DF, Catanozi MDPLM. Perfil socioeconômico e profissional de manipuladores de alimentos e o impacto positivo de um curso de capacitação em Boas Práticas de Fabricação. Braz J Food Technol 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/bjft.2014.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Doenças transmitidas por alimentos constituem um problema de saúde pública em nível mundial e estão frequentemente associadas a falhas na manipulação dos alimentos. Conhecer o perfil socioeconômico e profissional, bem como o nível de conhecimento dos manipuladores de alimentos, é requisito essencial para o planejamento de políticas públicas e programas de capacitação visando a segurança e qualidade dos alimentos. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o perfil socioeconômico e profissional de manipuladores de alimentos, e o impacto de um curso de capacitação em Boas Práticas de Fabricação (BPF) realizado na cidade de Araraquara-SP, Brasil. Um total de 192 manipuladores respondeu a dois questionários: o primeiro, para avaliar o nível de conhecimento dos manipuladores sobre BPF antes (avaliação diagnóstica) e depois (avaliação final) de participar do curso; o segundo, para realizar um levantamento do perfil socioeconômico e profissional dos manipuladores. Os resultados mostraram que o curso de capacitação repercutiu de forma positiva no nível de conhecimento dos manipuladores, sendo que todos os temas sobre BPF avaliados apresentaram um percentual de respostas corretas significativamente maior na avaliação final em relação à avaliação diagnóstica. Isso indica a necessidade de aperfeiçoamento constante, para garantir a qualificação profissional dos manipuladores e, consequentemente, a qualidade dos alimentos e a segurança alimentar dos consumidores.
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Maffei DF, Nogueira ARDA, Brondi SHG. Determinação de resíduos de pesticidas em plasma bovino por cromatografia gasosa-espectrometria de massas. QUIM NOVA 2009. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-40422009000700006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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