AVALIAÇÃO DA QUALIDADE E ROTULAGEM DE PRODUTOS LÁCTEOS COMERCIALIZADOS NA CIDADE DE VENDA NOVA DO IMIGRANTE – ES ENTRE OS ANOS DE 2014 E 2015

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the physical-chemical, microbiological quality and labeling of dairy products sold in the city of Venda Nova do Imigrante - ES. Yogurts and cheeses produced by nine agro-industries from the state were purchased from local stores, totaling 24 products, 13 of which were yoghurts and 11 cheeses.  For physical-chemical characterization, analyzes of water content, pH, water activity, total titratable acidity, ashes, proteins, lipids and sodium chloride were performed. For microbiological characterization, analyzes of psychrotrophic microorganisms count, filamentous fungus and yeasts, coliforms at 30 ºC and 45 ºC and lactic acid bacteria were performed.

The information contained on the labels was evaluated according to the current Brazilian legislation. The results of the physical-chemical and microbiological analyzes revealed the presence of samples (yogurt and cheese, of different brands) in disagreement with the legislation in force for at least one of the analyzed parameters, indicating a lack of standardization and possible failures in the control of hygienic quality- health of products. Regarding the requirements established by the Brazilian legislation for labeling, in general, most of the items evaluated were met by the manufacturers of the studied yogurt and cheese samples. It stands out  the need for adequacy  as to the correct information on additives and list of ingredients, and the use of legible characters for all the information on the labeling, these being the items with the lowest index of compliance among the samples analyzed. The data indicate the need for a constant and effective inspection of products, so that foods that do not comply with the legislation do not reach the consumer market.