Avaliação das condições higiênico-sanitárias de açougues produtores de linguiça frescal na feira livre do centro de Barreiras-BA

Abstract

Open-air markets are important commercial hubs for various products, including meat and meat products such as fresh sausages. However, the sale of these products faces several challenges due to improper handling practices, inadequate physical facilities, and deficiencies in the hygiene of food handlers and utensils. The objective of this study was to assess the hygienic-sanitary conditions of butcher stalls producing and selling fresh sausages at the open-air market in downtown Barreiras, Bahia, through microbiological analysis—specifically, counting total and thermotolerant coliforms on handlers' hands and the utensils used. Two stalls were selected for analysis, and a checklist based on RDC No. 275/2002 and RDC No. 216/2004 was applied. Following the checklist assessment, samples were collected at three different times using sterile swabs to gather material from handlers' hands, cutting boards, and knives. Total and thermotolerant coliform counts were determined using the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique with multiple tubes. Additionally, a good practices manual and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were developed to assist the stalls and handlers, based on RDC No. 275/2002 and RDC No. 216/2004 regulations. Microbiological results indicated high total coliform counts on knives from Stall 2, highlighting failures in hygienic-sanitary conditions. Regarding thermotolerant coliforms, however, counts on handlers' hands and utensils fell within acceptable limits. In the overall assessment of hygienic-sanitary conditions, Butcher Shop 1 had 80.85% of items in compliance, being classified as "good" under RDC 275/2002. Butcher Shop 2, meanwhile, achieved 74.47% and was rated "fair" according to the same standard. However, critical issues were identified at both butcher shops, particularly regarding food handlers. Thus, the good practices manual and the developed SOPs serve as tools that can contribute to the sale of higher-quality, safer products.