MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION OF NATURAL JUICES PREPARED AT STREET VENDOR STALLS IN A MUNICIPAL MARKET

Abstract

Foodborne Diseases (FBD) represent a significant source of morbidity in developing countries, particularly in settings characterized by inadequate hygiene practices and the lack of effective sanitary surveillance. These diseases result from the ingestion of foods contaminated with viable pathogenic microorganisms or toxins produced by bacteria and fungi, such as in cases of salmonellosis, hepatitis A, and toxoplasmosis. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of natural juices prepared at street vendor points in a municipal market. An observational, analytical, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted using non-probabilistic convenience sampling, totaling 24 samples. Microbiological analyses included the enumeration of total coliforms, aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, fungi, and yeasts, which are considered indicators of food microbiological quality. The results showed high levels of non-compliance with international standards, with 84.33% of samples exceeding limits for aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, 83.33% for yeasts, and 66.67% for total coliforms. Overall, 95.84% of the juice samples failed to meet hygiene standards. All samples were prepared using tap water and with fruits and utensils that had not undergone prior disinfection. Additionally, none of the food handlers used gloves or face masks, and 70.83% of the samples were not refrigerated prior to sale, indicating unsatisfactory hygienic-sanitary conditions.