Atendimento às normas do Ministério da Agricultura para a conservação de carne bovina resfriada, nos pontos de venda em Camaragibe - PE

Abstract

Brazil produces around 10 million tons of beef, from which approximately 20% are exported to other countries following rigorous quality standards. High-quality food is an important factor in its consumption. The goal of this research was to verify if current legislation for slices of beef exposed in supermarkets of Camaragibe city is being enforced correctly. Especially in terms of temperature conditions in the beef storages according to the legislation, and to present suggestions to enhance these conditions to minimize the issues found. It has been selected a sample of five sale points, where was collected six pieces of beef from each supermarket. It has been considered two types of cuts (“patinho” and “peito”). Hence, in total 30 meat samples, which were packed using high-density polyethylene plastic, i.e., following the same conditions as offered to regular customers. To evaluate the temperature conditions, it was used a portable multi-function digital thermometer with a metallic rod and -50ºC to 300ºC measurement capacity. Two out of five sites had visible thermometers and exposed enough pieces in the glass case. In regards to the temperature conditions of the beef, only one site has followed the regulations of the “regulatory standard n° 4/2014 – DIVISA/SVS/SES”. Therefore, only six out of the 30 samples have followed the current regulations of ideal temperature for refrigerated meat. The results allowed us to identify the need for the enforcement of best practices, assessment systems, and training programs to employees, as well as the means to certify the production chain of refrigerated meat. It has been suggested the deployment of the APPCC system on the manipulation and exposition of refrigerated meat, which is to be adopted by every stakeholder of the production line.