Avaliação físico-química e microbiológica de caldos de cana comercializados por vendedores ambulantes no Oeste do Paraná

Abstract

Sugarcane juice has a pleasant flavor, high nutritional value, and energetic potential, which have made it a very popular beverage in Brazil. The juice is obtained by grinding sugarcane in electric or manual mills, filtered through metal sieves, and served with ice. It can be consumed plain or mixed with acidic fruit juices and is commonly sold by street vendors, known as garapeiros, in public areas such as streets, parks, squares, and markets (OLIVEIRA et al., 2006). In this context, the objective of the present study was to analyze the quality of sugarcane juice sold by street vendors in five cities in the western region of Paraná. Microbiological analyses were performed for aerobic mesophiles, molds and yeasts, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp., as well as physicochemical analyses for pH and acidity. Basmedied on the analyses conducted, the sugarcane juices were found to be compliant with the physicochemical parameters; however, they did not fully meet the microbiological standards required by current legislation. The high microbial load observed, especially regarding coliforms and molds and yeasts, indicates deficiencies in hygiene practices during the preparation, handling, and commercialization of the product. These results reinforce the need for greater attention to Good Manufacturing Practices on the part of vendors, as well as guidance and inspection actions by competent authorities, in order to ensure the provision of a safe product to consumers and contribute to improving the quality of sugarcane juice sold in the region.