Microbiological and mycotoxicological evaluation of rice products used in human food in northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Rice consumption is part of Brazilian food culture, the per capita consumption, considering different forms is approximately of 14.9 kg of rice. The storage of rice grains in inappropriate conditions favor fungal growth and mycotoxin production. A survey was carried out to determine presence of coliforms, Salmonella, Bacillus cereus, fungal and mycotoxin contamination (aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and zearalenone) in 40 rice products (rice flakes and rice dough) samples traded in Terezina. Also, the ability to produce mycotoxins by Aspergillus and Fusarium isolates was shown. Regarding the microbiological standards, the results were within the established pattern. Several fungal species, especially Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum, were isolates, but the strains were not able to produce aflatoxins and citrinin, respectively. The samples commercialized in Terezina had satisfactory hygienic and sanitary conditions, and free of mycotoxins analyzed.