Delineamento do perfil dos consumidores e classificação dos estabelecimentos que comercializam ostras em Valença, Bahia, Brasil

Abstract

This study aimed to carry out an opinion poll with consumers and owners of specialized seafood outlets regarding the quality of the oysters, through the appraisal of their microbiological characteristics and hygienic and saniltary conditions of the outlet. The survey‘s research took place in three stores (R1, R2 and R3), located in Valença, lower southern Bahia State. In addition to the application of semi-structured questionnaires with consumers and owners, and the rundown of a check list in the store, counting of Staphylococcus coagulase positive, heterotrophic aerobic mesophilic bacteria and coliforms at 45oC, was performed, and the presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in oysters registered. According to the results consumers and owners do not worry about the hygienic sanitary quality of food consumed, as well as the source of raw material obtained. The stores showed inadequate physical and sanitary conditions, being R1 and R2 classified as Group II (51% to 75% of conformities) and R3 classified as Group III (0 to 50% of conformities). Failures observed during manipulation of food affect its safety, on the account an observed high microbial load mainly due to the presence of Staphylococcus coagulasis positive.