Safe and Sustainable Food Environments: A Microbiological Analysis of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Sold at the Maranhense Waterway Terminal

Objective: To perform microbiological analysis of food and non-alcoholic beverages sold at the Maranhense Waterway Terminal in order to contribute to a safe and sustainable food environment. Theoretical Framework: Framework: Food safety is governed by a set of standards aimed at preventing microbiological contamination and ensuring the quality of products offered to consumers. The National Health Surveillance Agency establishes specific microbiological parameters for different food categories aligned with international standards. In food retail environments, the application of these parameters assumes strategic relevance, especially considering the diversity of foods and beverages sold and the number of consumers served. Method: The study was conducted at the Maranhense Waterway Terminal with the collection of 20 solid food items and 12 non-alcoholic beverages. In a laboratory setting, the presence of Salmonella sp. and E. coli was investigated; Enumeration of enterobacteria, coagulase-positive staphylococci, Bacillus cereus, and molds and yeasts using traditional microbiological techniques, followed by identification of enterobacteria and filamentous fungi. Results and Discussion: Of the samples analyzed, 100% were in compliance with Brazilian legislation for the parameters Salmonella sp., E. coli, and B. cereus. However, high populations of enterobacteria and molds and yeasts were evidenced in non-alcoholic beverages. In the evaluated foods, 15% and 20% exceeded the limits for coagulase-positive staphylococci and molds and yeasts. High counts of coagulase-negative staphylococci were also identified, in addition to the presence of eight different species of enterobacteria, notably Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia sp., and Shimwellia blattae, and the filamentous fungus Aspergillus sp. Research Implications: The results offer scientific information for the development of technical actions aimed at managing the quality of food and non-alcoholic beverages offered, integrated with sustainable practices at the food sales point, such as water potability, integrated pest control, and proper disposal of generated waste. Originality/Value: First research to address the microbiological quality of food and non-alcoholic beverages sold at the Maranhense Waterway Terminal. Highlighting the importance of the study, it is based on the premise that food safety is an important protective factor against foodborne illnesses. Furthermore, the studied theme involves the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), proposed by the United Nations, of which Brazil is a signatory.