Abstract The determination of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in bee honey is performed by the spectrophotometric methods Winkler's and White's. The Winkler method reads the absorbances in the visible region of the spectrum, and the White method measures in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible regions of the spectrum. This study aims to compare the spectrophotometric methodologies of White and Winkler to the determination of HMF in bee honey. For the study, it was used a UV-visible spectrophotometer, 10 mm optical path quartz cuvettes, and ten bee honey samples of different flowering. Absorbances at 550 nm were analyzed by the Winkler method; absorbances at 284 nm and 336 nm in the White method; and a comparison of HMF concentration (mg/kg) was carried out between the methods. The results showed significant differences (p<0.05) in HMF concentration determined by both methods. The main conclusion is that the Winkler method presents higher HMF values than the White method.

Abstract Probiotics can be defined as viable or inviable microbial cell (vegetative/spore or intact/ruptured) that is potentially healthful to the host. Commonly linked to fermented milk, one of the most popular fermented beverage, due to the greater consumer acceptance of dairy products. However, technical aspects such as inappropriate storage conditions and transport facilities can influence the viability of the microorganisms in these products. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological and physicochemical quality of probiotic fermented milk sold in the city of Botucatu/SP during its shelf life, and to determine the effect of different storage temperatures (4 °C and 12 °C), comparing results with the standard limits. For this purpose, four brands of probiotic fermented milk (A, B, C, and D) were analyzed counting lactic acid bacteria and evaluating physicochemical parameters (pH, acidity, proteins, lipids, moisture, and ash). As a result, only brand D did not fit the parameters determined by the technical norms of the Brazilian legislation; the variation in storage temperature, did not show significant influence on the results of the tested parameters.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o perfil microbiológico de diferentes tipos de saladas provenientes de cozinhas hospitalares. No período de 2010 a 2014, o Serviço de Orientação à Alimentação Pública (SOAP) recebeu 641 amostras de saladas provenientes de dois hospitais públicos da região centro-oeste do estado de São Paulo, onde foram submetidas às análises microbiológicas para a determinação do número mais provável (NMP) de coliformes a 35 e 45ºC, pesquisa de Salmonella spp. e contagem de estafilococos coagulase positiva. Os resultados revelaram que em 30,56% das amostras a contagem de coliformes a 35ºC foi maior que 1.100 NMP/g, e 12,17% apresentaram coliformes a 45ºC acima de 100 NMP/g, limite máximo estabelecido pela legislação brasileira. A prevalência de amostras contaminadas sem tratamento térmico foi de 97,44% e de 2,56% para amostras com tratamento térmico, cozidas ou refogadas. Todas as amostras foram negativas para presença de Salmonella spp. e apresentaram contagem de estafilococos coagulase positiva < 1,0 × 102 UFC/g. Embora não tenham sido encontrados agentes patogênicos, as altas contagens de micro-organismos indicadores em grande parte das amostras sugerem que as práticas de obtenção e manipulação desses alimentos estão inadequadas, possibilitando risco de contaminação por patógenos, inclusive outros agentes não contemplados nesta pesquisa. Portanto, as unidades de alimentação e nutrição hospitalares devem se atentar quanto aos procedimentos de preparo de alimentos, sobretudo porque essas refeições são servidas a indivíduos hospitalizados.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this work was to verify the microbiological profile of different types of salads from hospital kitchens. During the period from 2010 to 2014, the Public Food Guidance Service (SOAP) received 641 samples of salads from two public hospitals in the Central West region of the São Paulo state, where they were submitted to microbiological analysis in order to determine the most probable number (MPN) of coliforms at 35 and 45ºC, carry out Salmonella spp. study and coagulase-positive staphylococci count. The results showed that in 30.56% of samples the coliform count at 35ºC was above 1,100 MPN/g and 12.17% of samples presented coliforms at 45ºC above 100 MPN/g, which is the maximum limit established by Brazilian law. The prevalence of contaminated samples among those without heat treatment was at 97.44%, and for samples with heat treatment the prevalence was at 2.56% for both cooked and braised foods. All samples were negative for Salmonella spp. presence and showed coagulase-positive staphylococci count at < 1.0 × 102 UFC/g. Although no pathogenic agents were found, the high count for indicator microorganisms in a large number of samples suggests that the practices of obtaining and manipulating these foods are inadequate, facilitating the risk of contamination with pathogens, including other agents not included in this research. Thus, food and nutrition units must pay attention to food preparation procedures, especially since these meals are served to indoor patients.