Abstract

The chicken meat consumption has increased in recent years favored by different factors. However, when this food is manipulated without hygienic care, can be a source of etiological agents that cause diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of 60 samples of fresh chilled chicken meat cooled in nature, collected from 20 commercial establishments in the municipalyti of Sinop – Mato Grosso. The microbiological assessments were composed of: enumeration of total and thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli research and identification of Salmonella spp. In 100% of the samples total coliforms were found. Six samples presented thermotolerant coliform values >3 NMP / g, but did not extrapolate the standard 104NMP / g required by brazilian legislation. Of the 60 samples evaluated, 8.3% presented contamination by E. coli and 8.3% were contaminated by Salmonella spp.. In 30% of markets were obtained contaminated samples by E. coli (10%) and Salmonella spp. (20%), being considered unsuitable for consumption.Theserovars of Salmonella spp. found were: Hadar, Minnesota, Heidelberg and Kentucky.In this way, there is a need for good manufacturing practices applied, hygiene and food handling in establishments in order to reduce contamination by microorganisms in the final product and the risks to collective health.

Key words:
Meat cuts; Chicken; Contamination; Escherichia coli; Salmonella