Evaluation of freshness of frozen seafood sold at the Municipal Market of São Francisco do Conde - BA

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the frozen seafood commercialized at the Municipal Market of São Francisco do Conde-BA. Seventy-two samples of seafood were collected, comprising twelve samples for each one of the following species: sea bass (Centropomus undecimalis), mullet (Mugil brasiliensis), shrimp (Penaeus brasiliensis), mussel (Mytella guyanensis), oyster (Crassostrea rhizophorae), and blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). Analyses were carried out to determine pH and total volatile bases (TVB) and Éber test for sulfidric gas and ammonia, following methodologies established by the Instituto Adolfo Lutz and Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. Results showed that 62.5% of the samples were above the limit allowed by the legislation for pH, 27.8% for total volatile bases, and 70.8% for sulfidric gas. Regarding Éber test for ammonia, 40.3% of the samples were positive, being failing to comply with technical recommendations. A percentage of 90.3% of noncompliance with the legislation was observed for the whole set of samples. Crustaceans were the group that showed the highest rate for not achieving standards. The study analyzes these nonconformities as being probably resulting from inadequate hygiene conditions, as well as from insufficient conservation methods, from the catching to the selling. It points out potential risks for consumer’s health of this products and the need for structuring measures with the objective of strengthening this production chain at a local level.