Microbiological analysis of coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) sold by street vendors in Sobral/CE, Brazil

Resumo

Green coconut water is rich in nutrients and widely consumed in the world. However, the consumption of coconut water out of good practices for food production treat consumer health. The aim of this work was to evaluate the microbiological quality of coconut water sold by vendors street in Sobral - CE. Samples of fresh coconut water were collected bimonthly from four different points (named A, B, C and D) during 12 months (n=24). Samples were characterized by quantification of total coliform (TC), thermotolerant coliform (TTC) and mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB). The Most Probable Number (MPN) and Pour Plate techniques were applied to quantification of TC and TTC, and mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB), respectively. All samples presented contamination by TC, TTC and MAB.  TC-MPN ranged from 4.97x10⁴ MPN/mL to 1.18x10⁵ MPN/mL, and TTC-MPN ranged from 8.39x10² MPN/mL to 1.28x10³ to MPN/mL. Samples C and D presented contamination by Escherichia coli. The number of MAB ranged from 3.12x10⁴ CFU/mL to 6.73x10⁴ CFU/mL. TTC number are above of the permitted values according to National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), being considered as unsuitable for human consumption. Then, it is necessary to adopt preventive measures and good hygiene practices in coconut water commercialization for improvement of the microbiological quality of the product and prevent risks to consumers health.