Evaluación del cumplimiento de requisitos de acuerdo a la normativa NTE INEN 2687 de “mercados saludables” en un mercado municipal de la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

Safety is an important factor in the overall quality of food. That is why the country has established legal regulations applied to producers and retailers in order to maintain food safety. it is sought that the trend towards safety increases around the world by reaching a lower rate of foodborne diseases. On the above, the purpose of this study was to evaluate compliance with the requirements according to the NTE INEN 2687 regulation of "Mercados Saludables", in a Municipal Market of Cuenca City. Ninety merchants belonging to the meat, freshly cooked food, fruits and vegetable businesses as well as the administrator of the establishment were surveyed. Based on the results obtained from the surveys, samples were taken in 50 % of the most critical sections to carry out a microbiological study on both living and inert surfaces; the microorganisms analyzed were E. coli, S. aureus and total coliforms. After the intervention in each stall, there was evidence of 59 % compliance with the requirements of the national regulations for “Mercados Saludables” and 22 % compliance in the count of microorganisms according to “Guía Técnica para el Análisis Microbiológico de Superficies en contacto con Alimentos y Bebidas” R.M.N°461-2007/MINSA. A lack of safety is evident, for this reason, a plan was drawn up to be considered by “Dirección de Mercados” in order to improve food safety conditions