Avaliação das boas práticas na manipulação e conservação de frutas e hortaliças em comércios no município de São Bento-MA

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate good management and conservation practices for fruits and vegetables sold in the municipality of São Bento – MA. Methods: A field survey was carried out where a checklist based on RDC No. 216/2004 (ANVISA) was applied in stores, which provides good handling practices for food services, which was divided into parts, 1 exposure to consumption and organization, 2 raw materials, 3 ingredients and packaging, 4 product quality, 5 handlers, 6 physical installations and food storage and transportation, where the data was tabulated in the Excel program (Microsoft office excel) and subjected to descriptive analysis . Results: Of the businesses visited, 57% did not have organized and hygienic conditions to display food, in addition to showing the same percentage for the use of low quality packaging, 29% of fruits and vegetables did not have an expiration date identification, which makes their sale difficult, as consumers have been searching for information such as expiration date, quantity and price on packaging. Regarding product quality, the markets showed minor damage, with the highest incidence being 28% for surface ruptures and plastic deformities, resulting mainly from inadequate handling that generates such mechanical damage. They also presented serious damage, with the destruction of plant tissue being the highest incidence in businesses at 56%. Of the food handlers, 86% did not clean their hands, which is a possible means of transmitting contaminants to food. In addition, in 57% of the places, the food handlers did not have personal hygiene and it was noted that 86% of the food handlers came into contact with money, which also makes it a favorable means for the transmission of microorganisms in food. Regarding physical installations, it was observed that 71% of the locations had disused materials in the sales environment, making them unattractive to the consumer, 86% of the installations such as floors, walls and ceilings were not well maintained and 43% did not have sanitized means of transport. in order to guarantee the absence of pests that would compromise the health of the food and harm the health of those who consume it. Conclusion: The quality of products sold in São Bento-MA presents some damage to their characteristics, making them unsuitable for consumption and commercialization