Evaluation of the Quality of Whitemouth Croaker Sold at Open Markets in Cities of the Recôncavo Region of Bahia

Abstract

Fish is highly perishable due to its high water activity and protein content. This study evaluated the quality of croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) sold in open markets in the Recôncavo region of Bahia, Brazil. Sampling occurred in the municipalities of Cruz das Almas, Muritiba, Cachoeira, Maragogipe, and Santo Amaro between November 2017 and January 2018. A hygiene and sanitation checklist for food services revealed that 100% of the markets were classified as poor. Physicochemical analyses, including temperature, pH, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and cooking tests, were conducted but proved ineffective as freshness indicators. Microbiological analyses quantified mesophilic and psychrotrophic aerobes, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., molds, yeasts, total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, and Salmonella spp., showing 100% noncompliance with RDC 12/2001 standards. The croaker samples were deemed unfit for consumption, failing to meet federal regulations. These findings highlight the urgent need for implementing good handling practices and promoting sanitary education programs for handlers and consumers.