Gestão da qualidade em indústrias de polpas de frutas no Estado de Pernambuco

Abstract

Brazil has high productivity and a variety of tropical fruits. In order to avoid waste due to its high perishability, there are industries that process fruits transforming them into pulp, preserved under freezing. When the processing is performed within the quality standards can have access to the seasonal fruits in all seasons. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of three processing plants of fruit pulp in the state of Pernambuco and propose a HACCP plan as a quality management tool. The study was conducted in three industries, referred to as A, B and C, the following steps: assessment of sanitary conditions through a checklist; assessing the microbiological quality of the hands of manipulators and samples of fruit pulp; development of a HACCP plan as a proposal for implementation in processing plants and fruit pulp. According to the application of the checklist were obtained percentage of adequacy of 82% for industry B, indicating a classifying it in Group 1, located between 76-100% coverage of the items. Industries A and C showed percentages of 71% and 54% respectively, are classified in group 2, situated between 51-75% of compliance. Microbiological testing of the hands of manipulators showed a high rate of contamination for all examined microorganisms. Most samples of fruit pulps analyzed showed low counts of microorganisms and pathogenic quality indicators, values being detected above the permitted by law for molds and yeasts and the presence of E. coli in cashew pulp samples of C. industry The three industries studied have not implemented the HACCP system, and then developed a HACCP Plan, based on the analysis of production flow chart, identification of critical control points and establishing preventive measures and corrective measures when necessary.