Abstract

N.A., Gómez-Rave et al. Microbiological risks related to artisanal fermented foods marketed in Tunja, Nariño and Cauca. Rev. colomb. biotecnol [online]. 2022, vol.24, n.2, pp.4-15.  Epub Mar 07, 2023. ISSN 0123-3475.  https://doi.org/10.15446/rev.colomb.biote.v24n2.97013.

Several factors intervene in the quality of the food, such as physical, chemical, nutritional, sensory, and microbiological. The latter is important as it affects the sensory properties of the finished product, and it can also cause public health risks associated with microbiological hazards. Colombia is a country rich in gastronomy, including artisanal fermented foods (AFEA), which are a current alternative for agri-food systems seeking for more natural foods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological criteria in AFEA and its compliance with the sanitary requirements to raise the awareness among crafted beverages producers and revalue the products. Eleven artisan producers of masato, champús and sour cassava starch in rural areas of the country, who voluntarily agreed to participate, were considered. The parameters of pH, humidity, soluble solids, and microbiological counts were measured. With these results, it was possible to calculate the compliance rate of the food, from which 36% of the products evaluated were fit for consumption. The limits established for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella spp were breached. Physicochemical analysis showed that Masato and Champús provide abiotic conditions for microbial growth. In addition, the Sour cassava starch producers had higher compliance ratings regarding sanitary requirements but lower compliance ratings than champús producers. The performed analysis indicates that most of the food did not comply with the permitted limits, which is why producers must be trained in good manufacturing practices.

Keywords : Masato; Champús; Sour cassava starch; Microbiological criteria; Total coliforms; E. coli; B. cereus; S. aureus; Salmonella spp.; Soluble solids; pH; Moisture.

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