Avaliação microbiológica de erva-mate (Ilex Paraguariensis St. Hilaire) utilizada no preparo do chimarrão comercializada no município de Dois Vizinhos - PR

Abstract

Yerba maté (Ilex Paraguariensis St. Hil) is a plant native from South America and widely consumed in countries like Argetina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. In Brazil, yerba mate is most consumed in the South region, mainly in the form of mate, tererê and maté tea. Some bioactive compounds present in yerba mate can bring various health benefits. On the other hand, some factors such as the high temperature of consumption of the mate, may be associated with the incidence of diseases like carcinomas. Another possible problem is the storage location of yerba mate, which contributes to the appearance and proliferation of fungi and bacteria, which can be harmful to human health. The objective of the microbiological analyzes was to determine if 6 brands that are commercialized in the city of Dois Vizinhos -PR, are suitable for consumption, by counting the total of mesophyll aerobes, total coliforms and thermotolerant, moulds and yeasts. The results obtained were compared with the current legislation, Resolution RDC No. 12 of January 2, 2001, of the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) of the World Health Organization (WHO) for this type of product. The results showed that all the analyzed brands are in compliance with the standards established by the legislation and have resembled the literature. Thus, it can be concluded that all brands of yerba mate analyzed are suitable for human consumption.