Level of compliance with good manufacturing practices and microbiological profile of mixed fresh sausages

Abstract

Good manufacturing practices in production facilities are necessary to control microbiological growth and prevent foodborne illnesses. Among the various foods that can be contaminated by intensive handling, meat products such as fresh sausages stand out. With this in mind, the aim of this study was to establish a microbiological profile of the fresh sausages produced in the municipality of Alegrete-RS, Brazil, as part of the SIM/SISBI inspection between 2014 and 2016 and to promote and evaluate the producing establishments in terms of compliance with good manufacturing practices. Samples were regularly taken from 10 businesses in the city and tested for thermotolerant coliform bacteria, sulphitereducing Clostridium, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and Salmonella spp. In addition, the adequacy of good manufacturing practices was assessed and measures in the form of questionnaires, guidelines and training to improve the production chain were implemented in these companies. Over the years, significant improvements in compliance with good manufacturing practices have been observed in the production units. The microbial count of thermotolerant coliforms, sulphite-reducing Clostridium, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and Salmonella spp. decreased significantly, indicating that the interventions contributed to improving the microbiological profile of the fresh sausage produced in the community.