Microbiological quality of artisanal ice cream and pasteurized syrup produced in a city of Paraná State (Brazil)

The ice cream is classified as an iced food, whose composition is favorable to microbial development when not stored, pasteurized or produced using Good Manufacturing Practices. The ice cream has no visible deterioration even when produced in unsatisfactory hygienic-sanitary conditions that may cause injury to the health of its consumers. In addition, ice cream is a foodstuff largely consumed by children who are more vulnerable to infections. This study aimed to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary conditions of artisanal ice cream produced in four establishments in Campo Mourao, PR (Brazil). Sixteen samples of two different flavors of ice cream (chocolate and flakes) and eight samples of syrup were analyzed in duplicate. Were quantified coliforms at 35oC and 45°C (MPN/g), mesophyll (CFU/g), coagulase-positive staphylococci (CFU/g), Salmonella spp., molds and yeasts (CFU/g). Analyses were performed according to Ruling no 62, August 26, 2003 of MAPA. All samples revealed the absence of Salmonella spp. and coagulase positive staphylococci. For eight samples of syrup and 16 samples of ice cream  analyzed, 25%  were outside the range allowed by the RDC no 12, of January 2, 2001 (ANVISA) for coliforms at 35oC (>10 2 /g). Therefore, only one ice cream producer offer products suitable for consumption, indicating that there is much to be done on the hygienic sanitary control of establishments producing ice cream. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v2i2.51