MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF TABLE SURFACE USE IN SHOPPING CENTERS

Abstract

Public food service in shopping centers, particularly in food courts, presents significant challenges for maintaining hygiene and preventing waterborne and foodborne diseases (WFD). This quantitative study analyzed the microbial count on the surfaces of collective food service tables in seven shopping centers in Curitiba, Paraná. Thirty-five samples were collected using Rodac plates, incubated and counted to determine the number of Colony Forming Units per cm² (CFU/cm²). The results showed that 28.57% of the samples presented microbial counts above the acceptable limit of 2 CFU/cm² established by the American Public Health Association (APHA). The presence of pathogenic microorganisms on frequently touched surfaces is a significant risk to the health of consumers, highlighting the need for rigorous cleaning and disinfection practices. Previous studies support the importance of effective hygiene measures to prevent the spread of DTHA. The variation in contamination levels among the shopping centers studied suggests the need to standardize and improve hygiene practices. Future research should investigate microbial resistance and the effectiveness of different cleaning methods to ensure food safety in these high-turnover environments.