Avaliação do comportamento das farinhas de mandioca seca (Manihot esculenta Crantz) e temperadas durante o armazenamento.

Abstract

This work was based on the evaluation of the behaviour of five cassava flour samples, for a period of storage of 180 days. The flours consisted of five types, being one of dry cassava flour and four of spiced dry cassava flours, produced from the dry cassava flour. The flours were packaged into 500g bags of polypropylene, and over wrapped with lOKg low-density polyethylene bags. Analysis of the contents of moisture, ashes, alcoholic acidity, lipids, proteins, water activity, carbohydrates and microbiological controls of faecal coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, bacteria mesophilic, moulds, yeasts and salmonella sp., were determined after the processing and during the storage period, with intervals of 30 days. Important aspects applied to the quality assurance of foods were analysed, and emphasis on the study on the intrinsic characteristics of products, the processing, packaging and storage conditions were given. Theses characteristics could affect the physical-chemical conditions and the contaminant microbiota. The results from the physical and physical-chemical characteristics showed the relative heterogeneity of the flours. The flours we classified as thick flours according to Brazilian Regulation (1995). The data were analysed relating to variations on chemical composition, as a result of differences on formulation and storage conditions. The microbiological analysis revealed that all samples analysed during the 180 days presented absence of Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus, and counting zero for faecal coliforms. The standard plate count in acteria mesophilic, moulds and yeasts were in agreement with parameters established by Brazilian Regulation.