Analysis of the composition and quality of pre-ground meat sold in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Forensic aspects

• Autor(a) principal: Lima, Pamella Pryscila de Alvarenga Bissoli Maciel de
• Data de Publicação: 2023
• Outros Autores: Fernandes, Thais Alves, Paulino, Patrícia Gonzaga, Mota Júnior, Miguel Angelo Leite, Auriema, Bruna Emygdio, Souza, Daniele Duarte Nunes de, Ubiali, Daniel Guimarães, Pereira, Gabriela Oliveira, Santos, Huarrisson Azevedo, Sousa, Márcio Reis Pereira de
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Revista Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (Online)
• Texto Completo: https://periodicos.sbu.unicamp.br/ojs/index.php/san/article/view/8670801
• topic: Adulterations; Food; Bovine; Quality; Fraud; Food safety; Dairy inspection; Adulterações; Alimento; Bovina; Qualidade; Fraude; Inocuidade; Inspeção; Adulteraciones; Alimento; Bovino; Calidad; Fraude; Inocuidad; Inspección

The study aims to evaluate the composition and minimum requirements for identity and quality of pre-ground meat sold in retail establishments in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The samples were collected from these establishments between March and April 2019. The products were analyzed for composition, product appearance, temperature, and pH, lipid content, morphology and histochemistry, as well as the identification of the animal species from which the raw material originated. From the 11 samples collected, 72,7% were ground and stored in the retail establishments, while 27,3% were pre-ground and packaged in industrial establishments. In 18,2% of the samples, a fat content of 34% above the maximum acceptable amount was identified, presenting changes in sensory characteristics such as stickiness, non-typical odor, and pH > 6.4. Loss of striation in skeletal muscle fibers and cellular details were noticed in 54,5% of the samples, while 9% of the collected material showed traces of glandular tissue. All analyzed samples showed the presence of bacteria, with 81,8% identified as Gram-positive and 18,2% as Gram-negative. Parasitic structures morphologically compatible with Sarcocystis spp. were identified in one of the samples. In the species identification analysis by Multiplex qPCR, the simultaneous presence of bovine and equine genetic material was detected in 60% of the samples. It was found that none of the pre-ground meat samples which were evaluated met the minimum identity and quality requirements according to the specific technical regulations applicable to ground beef.