Qualidade do leite cru refrigerado em indústrias de laticínios

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of raw milk and the use of management tools in quality monitoring in industries in the northeastern Brazilian region. In the first study was to evaluate the seasonal influence on chemical composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count (TBC) in bulk tank milk. Data were obtained from milk samples from tanks collected monthly by industries registered with the federal inspection service (F.I.S.). The mean fat content varied from 3.51 to 3.69% and the protein content ranged from 3.07 to 3.17%. The averages of the somatic cell score ranged from 4.66 to 4.90 thousand cells/mL, and the transformed bacterial count ranged from 2.34 to 2.53 cfu/mL. The averages of the variables differed between two periods of validity of the Normative Instruction-62, and are presented in non-compliance with the limits established by the legislation. In the second study, was to evaluate the capacity index (Cpk) and the statistical process control charts as quality management tools for somatic cell counts (SCC) and total bacterial counts (TBC). The data were obtained from milk samples from tanks collected monthly by five industries with F.I.S in the state of Pernambuco. The Cpk index were calculated and control graphs were generated for Somatic Cell Score (SCS) and transformed bacterial count (tTBC). Only one industry presented a process acceptable or able to meet the established specifications for SCS and tTBC (1 ≤ Cpk ≤ 1,33). The control charts for the five industries indicated the presence of special causes (intermittent) in the process variation for the two variables. The results showed how industries need to improve processes for their milk suppliers to meet quality standards.