Microbiological characteristics of crab- uçá meat (Ucides cordatus) sold in the city of São Luí­­s í MA

Abstract

In order to characterize microbially the meat of caranguejo-uçá (Ucides Cordatus) marketed in the city of São Luí­­s - MA, 110 samples of meat, 30 in 3 markets (10/ market) and 80 in 8 free markets (10/fair), in the city of São Luí­­s - MA, were analyzed using the methodology according to MAPA Normative Instruction No. 62, of August 26, 2003, for Coliforms at 45°C, mesophilic bacteria, Staphylococcus spp and Salmonella spp. For isolation of the genus Aeromonas spp was used conventional method. The species were identified by the Aerokey II key. Ten socio-economic questionnaires were used with manipulators, and swabs were collected from the hands of 20 manipulators to investigate Staphylococcus coagulase positive. Results showed that 57 samples were contaminated by coliforms at 45°C; presence of aerobic mesophilic bacteria and Staphylococcus sp in 110 analyzed meat samples; Staphylococcus aureus in 45 samples; Aeromonas cavie in 82 samples; Aeromonas hydrophilla in 32 samples and Aeromonas veronii biovar veronii in one sample. Salmonella spp was absent in 110 samples and Staphylococcus aureus was identified in the hands of the 20 manipulators. In view of the results, it is concluded that the crab meat of the markets and fairs of São Luí­­s-MA is not suitable for consumption.