ResumoNo presente trabalho foram analisadas 150 amostras de leite UHT integral de três marcas comercializadas em Palotina, entre outubro de 2004 e fevereiro de 2005. Foram realizadas contagens de bactérias mesófilas aeróbicas, sendo os resultados comparados aos padrões estabelecidos pelo Regulamento Técnico de Identidade e Qualidade (RTIQ) para leite UHT do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento do Brasil. Entre as amostras analisadas, 36 (24%) apresentaram contagem de mesófilos acima da legislação. Também foram realizadas análises físico-químicas destas amostras, sendo que 7,3% dos resultados de acidez titulável, 29% de gordura e 50,7% de extrato seco desengordurado estavam em desacordo com o RTIQ. Todas as amostras estavam dentro dos padrões para as análises de índice crioscópico e estabilidade em álcool. Palavras-chave: Leite UHT, qualidade, físico-química, mesófilos AbstractThe present work analyzed 150 UHT whole milk samples from three different brands, commercialized in city of Palotina (Paraná, Brazil), between October of 2004 and February of 2005. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria counting results were compared to the Agriculture Ministry of Brazil official standards (RTIQ) for UHT milk. 36 (24%) of the sample presented higher mesophilic bacteria counting according to the standards. Also, were proceeded physic-chemical analyses of those samples. 7.3% of the acidity results, 29% of crude fat and 50.7% of dry matter without fat were disagreeing to RTIQ. All samples accorded to the standards for cryoscopy and alcohol stability tests.

RESUMO -O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade do leite pasteurizado produzido em Palotina -PR, comparando-se os resultados com os padrões da legislação nacional vigente, através de análises microbiológicas e físico-químicas. Foram coletadas aleatoriamente, 40 amostras de leites pasteurizados de diversos estabelecimentos comerciais de Palotina(PR). Deste total 16 amostras foram da marca X (08 tipo B e 08 desnatados, com inspeção estadual -SIP), 16 amostras da marca Y (08 tipo C e 08 desnatados com inspeção federal -SIF) e 08 amostras da marca Z (tipo C com inspeção federal -SIF). Após a coleta, as amostras foram enviadas imediatamente ao Laboratório de Controle Microbiológico de Água e Alimentos -LACOMA, da UFPR -Campus Palotina e estocadas em geladeira por um período máximo de 1 hora até o início das análises. Os resultados demonstraram que o produto estava dentro dos padrões aceitáveis para a contagem de mesófilos, psicrotróficos e coliformes fecais. Foi encontrado elevado percentual de amostras de leite peroxidase negativa (12 amostras -30%). Foi possível identificar 07 leites aguados, 05 suspeitos de aguagem, 01 com desnate parcial e 01 suspeito de desnate. Com os resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que as três marcas de leite comercializadas em Palotina apresentaram-se dentro dos padrões microbiológicos o que pode estar relacionado ao alto percentual de superaquecimento e que os resultados físico-químicos foram, de forma geral, insatisfatórios.Palavras chave: leite pasteurizado; avaliação microbiológica; avaliação físico-química.ABSTRACT -A survey has been carried out by means of microbiological and physical chemistry methods on the quality of pasteurized samples of milk from Palotina, Parana State, Brazil. Forty samples of pasteurized milks were gathered at several retail stores from Palotina. Sixteen samples labeled as X -8 "B" and 8 skimmed milk, 16 samples labeled as Y -8 "C" and 8 skimmed milk, and 8 samples labeled as Z -"C" milk, were analyzed at the Federal University of Paraná Laboratory for Water and Food Microbiological Control at Palotina Campus. After being stored at the refrigerator for one hour before the beginning of the analysis. According to the results found, all the milk samples analyzed were within the acceptable limits for mesophilic, psychrotroph and fecal coliform countings. An important data was the high percentage, as much as 30%, of negative peroxidase samples. In regard to the physical chemistry analysis carried out -fat, density at 15 o C, total dry extract, unfat dry extract, cryoscopic index, phosphatase and peroxidase, the results were in general not satisfactories.

ABSTRACT. This study evaluated animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of 36-month old Nellore steers finished in pastures (n = 10) and 20-month old Angus vs. Nellore bulls finished in feedlot (n = 10). Final body weight, carcass weight, characteristics, conformation and fat thickness, were higher (p < 0.001) for the Nellore steers than for Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Water losses during chilling (24 hours, 4 o C) were lower (p < 0.05) for Nellore steers than for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Muscle percentage on the 6 th rib was higher (p < 0.05) for the Nellore steers than for Angus vs. Nellore bulls; while bone percentage was lower (p < 0.05) for Nellore steers. After 7 and 14 days of ageing, the L* meat value was higher for the Nellore steers than for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls; the L* meat value was similar (p > 0.05) throughout the ageing period for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls, but higher in meat from the Nellore steers (p < 0.05). Genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on meat a* value (redness). Likewise, ageing time had no effect on a* in both genetic groups, and genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on meat b* value (yellowness). On the other hand, b* was increased after day 7 of ageing for the bulls from the two genetic groups. Thawing and cooking losses were lower for Nellore steers after day 7 of aging (p < 0.05). The meat of the Angus vs. Nellore bulls was more tender (p < 0.05) at all ageing times studied (1, 4, 7 and 14 days) than the meat of the Nellore steers. Genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on lipid oxidation; however, lipid oxidation increased after day7. Meat from Nellore steers contained a higher percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA), a lower percentage of unsaturated (UFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and a similar percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than the meat from Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Intramuscular fat from Nellore steers had a more favourable n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio than that from Angus vs. Nellore bulls (4.37 vs. 11.45, respectively). Tenderness, flavour and overall acceptability were higher (p < 0.001) for meats of the Nellore steers, regardless of ageing time (1, 4, 7 and 14 days).Keywords: Brazil, consumer acceptability, fattening system, genetic groups, meat quality, sexual class.Características de carcaça e avaliação sensorial da carne de novilhos Nelore e touros cruzados Angus vs. Nelore RESUMO. Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar o desempenho animal, características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de novilhos Nelore terminados em pastagens e abatidos aos 36 meses de idade (n = 10) e machos não castrados Angus vs. Nelores abatidos aos 20 meses de idade (n = 10). O peso final, peso, características e conformação da carcaça e espessura de gordura de cobertura foram maiores (p < 0,001) para os novilhos Nelores do que para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores. As perdas de água durante o resfriamento (24 horas, 4º C) foram menores (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores do que para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores. A percentagem de mú...

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a qualidade microbiológica e as características físico-químicas dos embutidos cárneos fermentados, produzidos artesanalmente e comercializados na região oeste do Paraná. Das 60 amostras analisadas, 31,7% encontravam-se em desacordo com os padrões microbiológicos estabelecidos pela RDC n°12/01 da ANVISA e 5% das amostras encontravam-se contaminadas por Listeria monocytogenes. Em relação aos parâmetros físico-quimicos, somente 2% das amostras apresentaram umidade inferior a 40% (conforme determina a legislação vigente) e 35% revelaram pH superior a 5,5. Considerando o elevado percentual de amostras contaminadas por micro-organismos indicadores ou patogênicos pode-se concluir que é insatisfatória a qualidade microbiológica dos embutidos cárneos artesanais produzidos na região Oeste do estado do Paraná. encontravam-se em desacordo com os padrões microbiológicos estabelecidos pela RDC n°12/01 da ANVISA e 5% das amostras encontravam-se contaminadas por Listeria monocytogenes. Em relação aos parâmetros físico-quimicos, somente 2% das amostras apresentaram umidade inferior a 40% (conforme determina a legislação vigente) e 35% revelaram pH superior a 5,5. Considerando o elevado percentual de amostras contaminadas por micro-organismos indicadores ou patogênicos pode-se concluir que é insatisfatória a qualidade microbiológica dos embutidos cárneos artesanais produzidos na região Oeste do estado do Paraná.

Salmonella is one of the most important agents of foodborne disease in Brazil and in other countries, with meat and meat products being identified as important vehicles of salmonelosis. A total of 54 Salmonella strains isolated from a commercial salami processing line were first serotyped and then their antibiotic resistance and macro restriction profiles were determined. 11.1% of the strains showed resistance to 3 or more antibiotics with profile AmpCStxTe being the most frequent. PFGE generated 9 and 12 profiles with enzymes XbaI and SpeI, respectively. It was observed that different serotypes of Salmonella could be found in the different steps of the processing line. The genetic profile of the strains had low relationship indicating the genetic diversity of the tested strains.

This work was carried out to evaluate the animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of crossbred heifers slaughtered at three different body weights. The heifers were slaughtered with 330 (Light), 360 (Medium) and 400 (Heavy) kg body weight. The final weight, average daily gain and carcass weight were greater for HEA heifers, intermediate for MED heifers and lower for LIG heifers. However, carcass dressing and pH were similar for the three heifers groups. Dripping loss, dissection loss and the muscle, fat and bone percentages on the 6th rib did not alter by slaughter weight. Slaughter weight did not affect the colour, shear force and lipid oxidation of meat. In conclusion, heavy heifers finished in pasture and that were concentrate-supplemented had better animal performance; however, the carcass characteristics and meat quality were similar for the three heifers groups.Peso de abate não alterou as características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de novilhas mestiças terminadas a pasto com suplementação RESUMO. Este trabalho foi realizado para avaliar o desempenho animal e características da carcaça e da carne de novilhas mestiças abatidas com três diferentes pesos vivos. As novilhas foram abatidas com 330 kg (LEV), 360 kg (MED) e 400 kg (PES). O peso vivo final, ganho médio diário e peso de carcaça foram superiores para as novilhas PES, intermediário para as novilhas MED e inferiores para as novilhas LEV. No entanto, o rendimento de carcaça e pH foram semelhantes para os três grupos de animais. As perdas por gotejamento, dissecação e as percentagens de músculo, gordura e ossos na 6ª costela não foram alteradas pelos três pesos de abate. Da mesma forma, o peso de abate não teve efeito sobre a coloração, força de cisalhamento e oxidação lipídica da carne. Em conclusão, novilhas mais pesadas terminadas em pastagem e suplementadas com concentrado apresentaram melhor desempeno animal; todavia, as características de carcaça e qualidade da carne não foram alteradas.Palavras-chave: análise instrumental, peso de abate, novilhas, qualidade da carne.

Conveyor belts are widely used in food handling areas, especially in poultry processing plants. Because they are in direct contact with food and it is a requirement of the Brazilian health authority, conveyor belts are required to be continuously cleaned with hot water under pressure. The use of water in this procedure has been questioned based on the hypothesis that water may further disseminate microorganisms but not effectively reduce the organic material on the surface. Moreover, reducing the use of water in processing may contribute to a reduction in costs and emission of effluents. However, no consistent evidence in support of removing water during conveyor belt cleaning has been reported. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to compare the bacterial counts on conveyor belts that were or were not continuously cleaned with hot water under pressure. Superficial samples from conveyor belts (cleaned or not cleaned) were collected at three different times during operation (T1, after the preoperational cleaning [5 a.m.]; T2, after the first work shift [4 p.m.]; and T3, after the second work shift [1:30 a.m.]) in a poultry meat processing facility, and the samples were subjected to mesophilic and enterobacterial counts. For Enterobacteriaceae, no significant differences were observed between the conveyor belts, independent of the time of sampling or the cleaning process. No significant differences were observed between the counts of mesophilic bacteria at the distinct times of sampling on the conveyor belt that had not been subjected to continuous cleaning with water at 45°C. When comparing similar periods of sampling, no significant differences were observed between the mesophilic counts obtained from the conveyor belts that were or were not subjected to continuous cleaning with water at 45°C. Continuous cleaning with water did not significantly reduce microorganism counts, suggesting the possibility of discarding this procedure in chicken processing.

In order to evaluate how beef buyers in the State of Paraná, Brazil south value meat quality indicators, and attributes of credibility, 519 interviews were conducted in three cities with different sizes (Big-Curitiba, Medium-Campo Mourão and Small-Palotina). The interviews were applied after the meat was placed in the shopping cart and were composed of five questions, including question of spontaneous response: (i) factors that the buyer considers at the purchasing time; (ii) information which the buyer considers important to appear on the meat label; and three questions of stimulated response: (i) preference for meat preparation and exposure for sale, (ii) factors that the buyer considers when purchasing the meat, and (iii) preference for marbling (by photograph) according to the beef preparation. The results showed that beef buyers are more concerned with extrinsic meat quality indicators than the intrinsic ones, especially the meat presentation and hygiene of the sale point; have little knowledge about the factors that positively influence the eating experience of beef and do not cares about attributes of credibility, except for the meat expiration date. Beef buyers from medium (Campo Mourão) and small (Palotina) cities have a similar behavior, and differ from the buyers of a big (Curitiba) city among the attributes surveyed, in relation to the greater appreciation of inspection, tenderness and marbling, and less importance given to the expiration date. Beef buyers prefer meat cut by the butcher; however, this preference is higher in the small city.