QUALIDADE DE PRODUTOS CÁRNEOS FABRICADOS SOB INSPEÇÃO FEDERAL NO ESTADO DO PARANÁ

The aim of this paper was to evaluate microbiological characteristics of meat products produced under federal inspection by industries in the State of Paraná (Brazil), following Brazilian regulations. According to the type of meat product, quantification of nitrite and starch was also determined. All samples were collected at the plant and all analysis were carried out according to the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply´s recommendations. From 131 samples analyzed, five (3.82%) were contaminated by Salmonella sp. and three (2.3%) presented fecal coliforms. The other samples were legally acceptable. Frankfurters showed starch levels ranging from 1.71 % to 10.28%. In bologna, this variation ranged from 3.01 % to 16.5%. Residual nitrite levels in all products ranged from 3.7 mg/kg to 293.10 mg/kg. An amount of 23 samples (1 8.4%) had residual nitrite levels higher than legal limits, with a medium level of 395.91 mg/kg. The results found suggest that, although the analyzed samples present good sanitary quality, some producers need to be more carefully inspected, in order to attend Brazilian regulations for meat products.