Quality of organic fruits and vegetables sold in street markets

Abstract

Due to the differentiated cultivation, the organics products might be more exposed to microbiological contamination than the conventional products, since the organic fertilizers are usually consisted of manure (fertilizer compost), and this material might harbor pathogenic microorganisms. This study aimed at evaluating the hygienic conditions of the stalls in two street markets of Vitória/ES, and to assess the quality of organic fruits and vegetables sold in these locations. For assessing the good practices, a checklist based on Resolution RDC 216/2004 was applied. Sixteen samples of organic fruits and vegetables collected in these street markets were analyzed on pH, titratable acidity, mesophilic aerobic bacteria, yeasts and molds, determination of the Most Probable Number (MPN) of total and fecal coliforms, and Salmonella spp detection. All of the evaluated stalls were classified as regular. The coliforms counting at 45 °C above the value established by the current legislation were found in one sample (6.25 %). Salmonella spp. was detected in the same sample, which iwas noncompliant with the Brazilian legislation. Although 93.75 % of the samples were in accordance with the current microbiological standards, it is emphasized the importance of controlling the contamination sources, from the field to the food marketing.