Ricotta cheese has low fat and salt contents and a high quantity of proteins. The diversity of the nutrients and the high water content are factors that favor the development of microorganisms in this product. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of ricotta commercialized in the western region of Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Thirty samples, comprising 10 different brands of ricotta, were collected and sent to the Food Microbiology Laboratory at the Instituto Federal Catarinense (IFC), Campus Concórdia for microbiological analysis to determine the presence of Salmonella sp., Listeria sp., coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and thermotolerant coliforms. Of the 30 samples, the results for 33.3% were not within the parameters established by current legislation, that is, they were not fit for human consumption. This high percentage was due to contamination by thermotolerant coliforms, with 10 samples containing this group of microorganisms. One sample was contaminated with Listeria grayi, and for the other microorganisms investigated, (Salmonella sp. and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus) the results were satisfactory. This study characterizes the hygiene-sanitary conditions of ricotta commercialized in the western region of Santa Catarina State, highlighting the need for greater care during the production of this product.Keywords: Salmonella sp.; Listeria sp.; coagulase-positive Staphylococcus; thermotolerant coliforms; Listeria grayi. Practical Application:The consumption of cheese is increased significantly in Brazil. A cheese that stands out is the ricotta by a high percentage of nutrients and high water activity, however, this excellent composition favors the development of microorganisms. Thus, microbiological analysis have a great importance to evaluate the product. The results allow to characterize the hygiene-sanitary conditions ricotta cheese suggesting expansion of quality controls in the industry.

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