Determinación de la calidad microbiológica de los pollos asados expendidos en la zona Sur de la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the microbiological quality of roasted chicken sold in the eight parishes corresponding to the southern zone of the city of Cuenca through a descriptive cross-sectional observational sampling in order to estimate the percentage and frequency of microorganisms causing Foodborne Diseases (FBD). For this purpose, twenty samples of roasted chicken were analyzed and transported in a refrigeration cooler to the food microbiology laboratory of the University of Cuenca. The microbiological part is based on the limits allowed by NTE INEN 1338:2012, Third Revision Amendment 1, for cooked meat products. For the seeding of each microorganism, the AOAC-approved 3MTM petrifilm plate method was used for mesophilic aerobes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella. The results obtained in the laboratory show that 25% of the samples analyzed are not suitable for human consumption, since Salmonella and E. coli colonies developed mainly in the parishes of San Blas, Huayna Cápac, Yanuncay and Totoracocha. With respect to mesophilic aerobes, the chicken samples studied reflect the growth of colonies, which are within the acceptance limits indicated in the regulations. As for S. aureus, colonies developed in 10% of the samples and their presence indicates contamination during handling or sale of the roasted chicken.