Microbiology of Sandwiches: “Street – Foods” and “Fast – Foods”

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the microbiological quality and the presence of pathogens in sandwiches from different snack bars.

Study Design: Foods ready for consumption present a composition which facilitates their deterioration and care from production to consumption ensures its quality. The sandwich is a product of high consumption for its easy acquisition and despite its immediate consumption the sandwich can be considered a food offering risk to the consumers because it is composed of different ingredients that require excessive manipulation.

Place and Duration of Study: Food Microbiology Laboratory - University of Uberaba.

Methodology: For this study, 30 samples of this product were collected from the popular snack bars, street-foods and reputable fast-foods chains in Uberaba trade. The samples were transported to the Laboratory of Food Microbiology of the University of Uberaba in isotherm boxes filled with ice where they were kept under refrigeration until the time of analysis. The microbiological analyses were done according to the methods proposed by Vanderzant and Splittstoesser (1999) and Silva et al. (2007).

Results: From the total of the samples analyzed, 36.6% presented fecal coliforms and Salmonella sp.; 46.6% presented coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and 30% Bacillus cereus. There was no presence of sulphite-reducing clostridium.

Conclusion: The presence of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus indicates the lack of hygiene by food handlers because it is a living microorganism from the nasopharynx and the presence of Salmonella sp. and fecal coliforms indicate poor hygiene and sanitary handling. The improper handling and lack of care in relation to good practices favor the food poisoning.