Microbiological and physico-chemical qualities of dried-salted shrimp (“aviú”) and of “piracuí” type fish meal sold in retail markets in Belém, Pará – Brazil

Abstract

Twenty-seven samples of dried-salted shrimp (“aviú”) and “piracuí” type fish meal were tested for evaluating the physical-chemical and microbiology qualities. The mean values of moisture, ash, salt contents and water activity (Wa) were 24.0 % and 18.76 %, 22.68 % and 12.91 %, 15.67 % and 8,20 %, 0,61 and 0,57 for aviú and piracuí samples, respectively. The ash values were above the maximum limit permitted by legislation in 30.77 % and 7.14 % of “aviú” and “piracuí” samples, respectively. Oxidative rancidity was showed in 74.07 % of samples. Yeast and mold were detected in all analyzed samples (n = 21). Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus counts were above the maximum limit permitted by legislation in 61.54 % and 78.87 % of “aviú” and “piracuí” samples, respectively. Enterococcus spp. was detected in 69.23 % and 64.28 % of “aviú” and “piracuí” samples, respectively. Salmonella spp. was isolated from five samples. The dried-salted shrimp (“aviú”) and the “piracuí” type fish meal sold in Belém showed unsatisfactory hygienic-sanitary quality, and microbiologic characteristics of a potential risk to public health.