Microbiological analysis of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) marketed in municipal open market of Ariquemes, Rondônia State, Brazil

Abstract

Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) is a native fish from the North of Brazil, with a large participation in the economy of Rondônia State and commonly sold in local open market. Its microbiological risk assessment is really important because it is a part of the eating habits of the population in general. The fish is a perishable food due to its high water activity (aw) and the presence of many spoilage bacteria and it is susceptible to contamination of opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms, if the sanitary conditions are unsatisfactory. The aim of the study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of tambaqui sold in the municipal open market of Ariquemes, Rondônia State. Thus, 16 samples were collected from four boxes and subjected to the quantification analysis of total coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as evaluation of the presence/absence of Listeria monocytogenes. The results showed that all samples were contaminated by coliforms, regarding to S. aureus, 37.5% were above the allowed rate. It was not detected the presence of L. monocytogenes. It is concluded that the tambaqui samples analyzed were exposed to unsatisfactory sanitary conditions.