Comercialização De Camarões (Decapoda, Palemonidae) Em Mercados E Feiras Livres De Santarém, Estado Pará, Brasil

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the commercialization of freshwater shrimps in markets and free fairs in the urban center of Santarém (PA), contributing to the knowledge of the economic and quality aspects of the product (hygienic-sanitary) at different points of sale in the city. On-site visits and interviews with the application of semi-structured forms of quantitative descriptive character were carried out to 13 shrimp traders during the second half of 2019. The shrimps come from fisheries carried out in Almeirim, Prainha and in the urban area of Santarém, are marketed "in natura" (frozen/cooled) and processed (cooked and salted), the latter is representative in relation to the volume and frequency of product offer. The hygienic-sanitary conditions observed are deficient, facts associated with the structural and economic circunstances of the establishments. However, shrimps are considered to be of good quality and enjoyable by consumers. The price varied according to the type, harvest period and market supply, with an average ranging from R$ 5 to 20 reais. We emphasize the need for future studies to investigate the microbiological quality of shrimp sold in the markets and free fairs in Santarém-Pará, ensuring greater food security for consumers.