CONTAMINAÇÃO MICROBIANA EM ERVA-MATE (Ilex paraguariensis)

Abstract

Plants such as mate herb (Ilex paraguariensis) in general contain a large amount and diversity of fungi and bacteria that come from your natural microbiota. These microorganisms may come from the soil or be contaminated during processing, influencing the degree of contamination of the product and compromising the health of the consumer. This study aimed to evaluate the microbial contamination of mate herb marketed in the Pelotas city (RS-Brazil) through the determination by indicator microorganisms such as the quantification of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, the enumeration of fungi (molds and yeasts), coliforms (total and thermotolerant) and the presence of Salmonella spp. Different herb samples were analyzed, and variables like brands, commercialization (bulk or 500 g pack), and presentation (herb natural or hot infusion) were studied. The results have demonstrated a low quality in all samples, regardless of the brand, commercialization, or presentation. There was a reduction in the microbial concentration in the hot infusions, but in all cases, contamination by fungi and mesophilic bacteria shows impairment in the hygienic conditions of the product. The presence of Salmonella in rates above 50% of the analyzed samples, also indicates a health risk for the product.