Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2012 / The chronic diseases of lifestyle, tuberculosis and Human immunodeficiency virus/Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome have a high prevalence in South Africa. These diseases are characterised by oxidative stress and a chronic inflammatory state that contribute to both the development and the acceleration of these diseases. Research into the phytochemical plant food components suggest that these substances could possibly play a vital role in the prevention of such disease. Corn steep liquor (CSL) is a waste product with an exceptionally high polyphenol content and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). This led to the suggestion that it could be utilised in the development of food products with functional food characteristics. Stock cubes, due to the widespread use among consumers of different socio-economic backgrounds, were identified as vehicle for the delivery of the CSL with its phytochemical content. This lead to the development of a stock cube utilising CSL as a source of phytochemical polyphenolic antioxidants with the micronutrients zinc, selenium and copper as added support to immunonutrition, along with iron due to the wide spread prevalence of iron deficiency in the South African population. The acceptability of the developed stock cube was tested by preparing savoury rice and pea soup and having blue collar (n = 50) and white collar (n = 49) participants rate the acceptability on a 9-point hedonic scale, ranging from “dislike extremely” to “like extremely”. The savoury rice received a 41% “like very much” rating followed by a 24% “like moderately” rating. The pea soup was rated even more positively as it received a 42% “like very much” rating and a 29% “like extremely” rating. In addition, among the blue collar participants, significant (p < 0.05 for each) findings occurred with a greater liking of the sample dishes prepared with the developed stock cube by participants of the ethnic Black grouping, with Xhosa as home language and being married, as well as those participants who habitually prepare the meals in the household. A significant (p < 0.05) finding with the white collar participants was a greater liking of the sample dishes prepared with the developed stock cube among those participants who would be willing to make use of a stock cube with health benefits. The developed stock cube was also subjected to six months accelerated shelf-life stability testing, reflecting twelve months real time storage. The parameters measured were microbial growth, oxidative rancidity, antioxidant status and organoleptic changes. All microbial growths tested remained within the acceptable specification ranges. Oxidative rancidity, measured as the peroxide value, was detected analytically at the fifth and sixth samplings, but was not detectable organoleptically. The antioxidant status, measured as the TAC and the total polyphenol content, remained relatively stable during the testing period. Though no noticeable organoleptic changes were observed during the stability testing, there was a darkening of the colour by the second sampling. The results of the acceptance testing, as well as the shelf-life stability testing, support the conclusions that the study objectives of developing a stock cube with functional food characteristics and it being received positively by consumers were achieved. Keywords: stock cubes; corn steep liquor; phytochemicals; consumer acceptance; new product development

published_or_final_version / Public Administration / Master / Master of Public Administration

The demand for deep fried chips by public and the number of people entering the fast food industry in the form of fast food outlets has increased tremendously. Frying oils are very expensive and are the most important ingredient used in the preparation of fried foods. Due to high oil costs and lack of knowledge, frying oils are used to their maximum. This has resulted in the abuse of deep fried chip cooking oils. The overall quality of the deep fried chip cooking oil used in the South Central Operational Entity of the eThekwini Municipality is not known but abused cooking oils have been identified by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP's) during routine inspections of fast food outlets. Considering all of the above, the objectives of the proposed research were: (l) Determine the overall prevalence of the use of abused deep fried chip cooking oils at fast food outlets in the South Central Operational Entity of the eThekwini Municipality. (2) Determine in which supervision areas in the South Central Operational Entity the use of abused cooking oil is most prevalent. (3) Determine current/reported practices in preserving the quality of chip oil. (4) Make appropriate recommendations to owner/managers of the fast food outlets and to Environmental Health Practitioners. The study design was observational utilizing a Rapid Epidemiological Assessment (REA) technique, with both a descriptive and analytical component. All fast food outlets making deep fried chips in the South Central Operational Entity registered with the eThekwini Health Department at the time of the study were included in the study population. The Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) method was used to determine the overall prevalence of the use of abused oil and to determine supervision areas reached the predetermined service target. A total of 100 fast food outlets were sampled. An oil sample from each fast food outlet, which was taken and sent to a laboratory where an Oxifrit Test was done on every oil sample taken. The Oxifrit Test was the benchmark in this study. EHP's of eThekwini Municipality collected further data by means of an observational checklist and a closed-ended questionnaire, which aimed to establish cooking oil preservation practices. The study revealed that 60 of the outlets had oil that was acceptable whereas 40 had oil that was unacceptable (abused oil). In the multivariate analysis the only factors significantly associated with abused oil were the condition of the fryer and frequency of oil change. Supervision Areas 6, and 4 had more abused deep fried chip cooking oil than average in the South Central Operational Entity. For further prioritization, Supervision Areas 6 and 4 fell below the decision rule for majority of acceptable oil preservation practices, thus Supervision Areas 6 and 4 will be targeted for intervention. Intervention will include education, monitoring and ultimately enforcing the law by EHP's to ensure safe use of deep fried chip cooking oil in the South Central Operational Entity within eThekwini Municipality. / Thesis (M.P.H.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

Thesis (MSc Food Sc )--Stellenbosch University, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study shows Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy's application on wine, fruit and dried fruit for quantitative determinations or as a discriminative method for classification purposes. During wine production optimum yeast growth, resulting in healthy alcohol fermentation rates, is monitored by the amount of free amino nitrogen (FAN) present in the must. The status of malolactic fermentation (MLF) in Chardonnay wines is monitored by determining the degree of conversion of malic to lactic acid. Ethyl carbamate (EC), a suspected carcinogen, is mainly formed during ageing of wine and is restricted by legislation in some countries. It is therefore necessary to determine the EC content in wine. Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy can be used on wine as a rapid method to measure the °Brix (residual sugars) content of must and to discriminate between different must samples in terms of their FAN values. It can also be used as a rapid method to discriminate between Chardonnay wine samples in terms of the MLF status and between table wine samples in terms of the EC content. Calibrations were derived and it was found that a very strong correlation existed in the sample set for the FT-NIR spectroscopic predictions for °Brix (r = 0.99, SEP = 0.31%), but poorer correlations for the FAN (r = 0.405, SEP = 275%), malic acid (r = 0.64, SEP = 1.02%), lactic acid (r = 0.61, SEP = 1.35%) and EC predictions (r = 0.47, SEP = 3.6%). When soft independent modelling by class analogy (SIMCA) was applied as a discriminative method, the must and wine samples were classified in terms of their FAN and EC values and MLF status, respectively, obtaining results with recognition rates exceeding 80%. The canning of peaches has become a significant industry in South Africa, producing approximately 4.1 million cartons per year. Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy was applied as an alternative non-destructive method for the quantitative determination of the total soluble solid (TSS) content of whole fresh peaches. The TSS content of fresh clingstone peaches is an indication of the internal quality, maturity and perceived sweetness of the fruit for the peach canning industry. By determining the TSS, fresh peaches can be graded and the farmers compensated accordingly. Results obtained by building QUANT+™calibrations for the TSS content (r = 0.96, SEP = 0.55%) showed acceptable accuracy and can replace the present destructive methods. Peak periods during the harvesting season necessitate storage of peaches for up to three weeks before canning. Approximately 5 - 10% of the peaches stored, disintegrate during canning due to loose skin, large stone cavities, soft flesh and rot. The storage potential of fresh clingstone peaches can be successfully predicted with FT-NIR and SIMCA models, using subjective internal quality evaluations. Results with recognition rates exceeding 80% were obtained in most cases and this method proved useful as a non-destructive method of quality assessment. By applying this method, losses caused when storing peaches with poor storage quality will be reduced. The golden sultana industry plays an important role in the dried fruit exporting market of South Africa. Due to the large numbers of consignments that must be checked upon arrival, and the need for rapid decision making during processing, it is essential to replace the present time-consuming analytical methods. Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy was used as a rapid, analytical technique to determine whether the S0₂ and moisture contents of sultanas are within specifications upon arrival at the factory and during processing. High positive correlation was found between the measured values and those predicted by FT-NIR spectroscopy for S0₂ (r = 0.99, SEP = 24.09%) and moisture (r = 0.99, SEP = 0.051 %) contents. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie dui op Fourier transformasie naby-infrarooi (FT-NIR) spektroskopie se toepassing op wyn, vrugte en droëvrugte vir die uitvoer van kwantitatiewe bepalings of vir klassifikasie doeleindes om as 'n diskriminasie metode te dien. Gedurende wynproduksie word die optimum groei van giste wat lei tot 'n gesonde alkohol fermentasie gemonitor deur die hoeveelheid vry-aminostikstof (VAS) wat in die mos teenwoordig is te bepaal. Die status van appelmelksuurgisting (AMG) in Chardonnay wyne word gemonitor deur die mate van omskakeling van appelsuur na melksuur te bepaal. Etielkarbamaat (EK), 'n vermoede karsinogeen wat hoofsaaklik in verouderde wyne voorkom, word in sekere lande deur wetgewing beperk en dus die bepaling van die EK inhoud van wyne noodsaak. Fourier transformasie naby-infrarooi spektroskopie kan op mos toegepas word as 'n vinnige metode vir die bepaling van °Brix (residuele suiker) en om tussen die monsters te onderskei in terme van hulle VAS inhoud. FT-NIR kan ook gebuik word as 'n vinnige metode om tussen Chardonnay monsters te onderskei op grond van die status van AMG en tussen tafelwyn monsters op grond van die EK inhoud. Kalibrasies is ontwikkel en daar is gevind dat baie sterk korrelasies bestaan in die monsterstel vir die FT-NIR spektroskopiese voorspelling van °Brix (r = 0.99, SEP = 0.31%), maar swakker korrelasies vir die VAS (r = 0.405, SEP = 275%), appelsuur (r = 0.64, SEP = 1.02%), melksuur (r = 0.61, SEP = 1.35%) en EK voorspellings (r = 0.47, SEP = 3.6%). Met die toepassing van soft independent modelling by class analogy (SIMCA) as diskriminasie metode, is die mos- en wynmonsters geklassifiseer op grond van hul VAS en EK waardes en die status van AMG, en herkenningswaardes van bo 80% is onderskeidelik behaal. Die inmaak van perskes het 'n beduidende industrie in Suid-Afrika geword en produseer jaarliks ongeveer 4.1 miljoen kartonne. Fourier transformasie nabyinfrarooi spektroskopie is toegepas as alternatiewe, nie-beskadigende metode om kwantitatiewe bepalings van die totale oplosbare vastestowwe (TOV) inhoud van heel vars perskes, te doen. Vir die perske inmaak-industrie is die TOV inhoud van vars taaipitperskes 'n aanduiding van interne kwaliteit, rypheid en die soetheid van die vrugte. Vars perskes kan gradeer word deur die TOS te bepaal en sodoende kan boere oreenkomstige vergoeding ontvang. Resultate' wat verkry is deur QUANT+™ kalibrasies vir TOS inhoud te ontwikkel (r = 0.96, SEP = 0.55%), dui op aanvaarbare akkuraatheid en kan die huidige metodes vervang. Tydens oestyd kom piektye voor wanneer dit soms nodig is om perskes vir tot drie weke op te berg voordat dit ingemaak kan word. Ongeveer 5 tot 15% van hierdie opgebergte perskes disintegreer tydens inmaak omdat opberging lei tot defekte in die perskes soos skille wat loskom, groot pitholtes, sagte vleis en vrot. Die opbergingspotentiaal van vars taaipitperskes kan suksesvol voorspel word deur FTNIR en SIMCA modelle te bou en subjektiewe interne kwaliteitsevaluerings daarop toe te pas. Herkenningsresultate wat 80% in die meeste gevalle oorskry, is behaal wat hierdie metode as 'n suksesvolle nie-beskadigende kwaliteitbepalingsmetode bewys. Hierdie metode sal verliese kan beperk wat voorkom as gevolg van opberging van perskes met swak opbergingskwaliteit. Die goue sultana industrie speel 'n belangrike rol in die droë vrugte uitvoermark van Suid-Afrika. As gevolg van die hoeveelheid monsters wat gelyktydig getoets moet word en besluite wat vinnig geneem moet word tydens prosessering, is dit belangrik om die huidige tydrowende analitiese metodes te vervang. Fourier transformasie naby-infrarooi spektroskopie is gebruik as 'n vinnige, analitiese tegniek om tydens ontvangs by die fabriek en gedurende prosessering te bepaal of die S0₂- en voginhoud van goue sultanas binne die spesifikasies val. Goeie positiewe korrelasie is gevind tussen die bepaalde en voorspelde FT-NIR spektroskopiese waardes vir SO₂- (r = 0.99, SEP = 24.09%) en voginhoud (r = 0.99, SEP = 0.051 %).

This study investigates the impact of trade liberalization on food security at both national and rural household levels in Mozambique. Three periods are covered at national level: before trade reforms (1975-1986), after reforms under IMF/WB’s (International Monetary Fund/World Bank’s) period (1987-1994), and after reforms under IMF/WB/WTO’s (World Trade Organization’s) period (1995-2014). The researcher adopted the conceptual framework developed by the FAO (2003:235) according to which a country’s food security status can be influenced by diverse factors, including trade liberalization, through changes in relative prices, in quantities produced and consumed, and in trade volumes. At national level, the evidence suggests that trade liberalization’s impact on food security is both positive and negative. At rural household level, the empirical findings suggest that trade liberalization has no significant impact, either positive or negative, on households’ food security due mainly to poor infrastructure, households’ high dependence on subsistence farming and their lack of purchasing power. / Development Studies / M.A. (Development Studies)

Thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Tourism and Hospitality Management in the Faculty of Business at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2012 / The objective of the research study was to investigate how effective an eco initiative to recycle water and food waste would be when implemented in selected Cape Town hotels. Earthworm farms are able to convert organic food waste into usable compost as an alternative to landfills. Harvesting rainwater as a direct method for the reuse of waste water makes it possible to store captured rainwater for future use. This serves as an alternative source of surface water. The study further investigated whether implementing these initiatives would be successful as a future endeavour. Environmental movements were the instigators of the high demand for recycling initiatives. These movements aimed to address the deteriorating quality of water supplies, as well as growth in landfills. In South Africa, a decrease in the availability and quality of surface water has been coupled with an annual increase of 3.7 % in the demand for water. Landfills furthermore release toxic smoke when burned. Within the Hospitality Industry, travelers are increasingly seeking out environmentally friendly hotels as part of their corporate travel policy. This has occurred as a result of the increased focus on environmental initiatives by the International community. The researcher therefore aimed to provide practical examples of how existing theory regarding these initiatives is applicable to operations within hotels. The research methodology was determined through analysing the research strategy, the design and the research instruments. The research strategy was based on gathering facts relevant to the theory of the study. A descriptive approach was therefore adopted as the “-what-” question that was asked when measuring data to answer the research questions. The research design utilised a multi-strategy approach whereby both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered. This resulted in questionnaires, interviews and case studies forming part of the research instruments. The researcher found it effective to corroborate the findings from both quantitative and qualitative data: that is, the findings from the questionnaires were enhanced by the findings from the interviews. The case studies were conducted to provide a practical context to the theory. Recommendations have been made according to technological and social developments. Ultimately, this study illustrates the success of eco initiatives aimed at recycling water and food waste produced by selected hotels in Cape Town and a reduction in the waste generated by the hotels.

Muitos estudos ressaltam a importância do crescimento do comércio mundial para incentivo no avanço econômico das nações e como motivador da globalização. A exportação é uma das melhores formas de uma empresa alavancar seu crescimento, sendo que um dos setores que mais se destaca nas exportações é o da agroindústria. Entretanto, as empresas que exportam com mais facilidade são as de grande porte, pois tem suporte e conhecimento dos procedimentos envolvidos. As empresas de pequeno porte apresentam dificuldades em função do alto custo envolvido, da falta de capacitação e domínio dos procedimentos envolvidos, em especial quando enfrentam países exigentes, os quais são os potenciais compradores. Os países da União Europeia estão entre os maiores importadores de produtos alimentícios do Brasil, porém, são os que possuem as maiores exigências na importação de produtos. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é desenvolver um modelo de referência que considere as exigências técnicas e normativas da União Europeia para auxiliar a pequena indústria no processo de exportação de alimentos. Para isso é apresentada uma revisão bibliográfica sobre internacionalização das empresas, exigências do processo de exportação e dificuldades encontradas durante o processo de exportação. Em seguida, uma pesquisa de campo é apresentada, visando identificar as dificuldades encontradas pelas indústrias de alimentos durante o processo de exportaçã. Também são analisados alguns dos principais modelos existentes para suportar o processo de exportação, os quais são analisados e comparados, visando obter as melhores práticas de cada um deles, em função das exigências europeia. Com a coleta previamente realizada, elabora-se um modelo para suportar um processo completo de exportação, desde o atendimento às exigências nacionais, até às exigências internacionais em vários âmbitos. O modelo é submetido a avaliação de seu conceito por meio de especialistas que oferecem sugestões de melhorias para que o modelo apresente melhor desempenho em campo industrial. / Many studies highlight the importance of growth in world trade for encouraging the economic advancement of nations as a globalization motivator. Export is one of the best ways for a company to leverage its growth, and one of the sectors that most stands out in exports is the agrobusiness. However, companies that export more easily are the large ones, it has support and knowledge of the procedures involved. The small companies have difficulties due to the high cost involved, the lack of training and mastery of the procedures involved, particularly when faced with demanding countries, which are potential buyers. The European Union countries are among the largest importers of food products from Brazil, however, it is those with the highest demands on import products. Therefore the objective of this study is to develop a reference model that considers the technical and regulatory requirements in Europe to help small industry in food export process. For this is presented a review of internationalization of companies, requirements of the export process and difficulties encountered during the export process. Then, a field research is presented in order to identify the difficulties found by the food industry during the export process. It also examines some of the main existing models to support the export process, which are analyzed and compared in order to obtain the best practices of each of them, according to the European requirements. With the collection previously held, draws up a model to support a complete export process, from compliance with national requirements, to the international requirements in various areas. The model is subjected to evaluation of their concept by experts who offer suggestions for improvements to the model presents better performance in the industrial field.

A degradação da qualidade da água pelo despejo de efluentes líquidos industriais, mesmo que tratados em algum grau, vem afetando a saúde dos organismos do meio aquático, inclusive podendo afetar a saúde dos seres humanos, caracterizando um problema ambiental de escala global. Os efluentes líquidos provenientes das indústrias alimentícias A e B, objeto do presente estudo, com reconhecido potencial genotóxico, são fortes contribuintes desse processo de degradação e mesmo assim, são somente fiscalizados através de analises físicas e químicas. Desta forma, o presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o sistema de tratamento de efluentes líquidos de duas empresas de alimentos e seus efeitos genotóxicos em Astyanax sp (lambari). Os peixes foram expostos aos efluentes líquidos pré e pós-tratamento, bem como, a montante e a jusante do lançamento. A genotoxicidade foi avaliada segundo a técnica do ensaio cometa e teste do micronúcleo písceo. Foram analisados os parâmetros físicos, químicos e biológicos dos efluentes: temperatura, pH, oxigênio dissolvido, alcalinidade total, ácidos voláteis, DQO, DBO5,20, nitrogênio total, fósforo total e coliformes totais. Na análise genotóxica foram utilizados 600 exemplares de Astyanax sp, que foram expostos por 96 horas ao efluente bruto, pós tratamento, montante e jusante do corpo hídrico das duas indústrias. Os resultados obtidos através do presente estudo indicaram que em todas as amostras analisadas, inclusive no pós-tratamento e a jusante do lançamento, foram constatados danos estatisticamente significativos no material genético dos peixes analisados, com (p<0,0001). Os resultados evidenciaram que os efluentes líquidos das indústrias A e B avaliadas neste estudo, tem potencial genotóxico para causar danos aos organismos vivos presentes nos ecossistemas em que as mesmas estão inseridas. / The degradation of water quality by the discharge of industrial wastewater, even treated to some degree, has been affecting the health of aquatic organisms, including being able to affect the health of humans, featuring a global environmental problem. Liquid effluents from the food industries A and B, the object of this study with recognized genotoxic potential, are only monitored through physical and chemical analyses. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the treatment system of wastewater from two food companies and their genotoxic effects in Astyanax sp. Fish were exposed to wastewater pre and post treatment as well as upstream and downstream of the release. The genotoxicity was evaluated according to the technique of the comet assay and micronucleus test in piscine. Physical, chemical and biological parameters of: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, volatile acids, COD, BOD5.20, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and coliforms were analyzed. Genotoxic analysis in 600 specimens of Astyanax sp, which exposed for 96 hours to raw wastewater, after treatment, and downstream water body in the two industries were used. The results obtained from this study indicated that in all samples, including post processing and downstream of the release, statistically significant damages were observed in the genetic material of the fish analyzed, with (p<0,0001). The results showed that the wastewater from industries A and B evaluated in this study, have genotoxic potential to cause harm to living organisms in the ecosystems in which they are embedded.

Muitos estudos ressaltam a importância do crescimento do comércio mundial para incentivo no avanço econômico das nações e como motivador da globalização. A exportação é uma das melhores formas de uma empresa alavancar seu crescimento, sendo que um dos setores que mais se destaca nas exportações é o da agroindústria. Entretanto, as empresas que exportam com mais facilidade são as de grande porte, pois tem suporte e conhecimento dos procedimentos envolvidos. As empresas de pequeno porte apresentam dificuldades em função do alto custo envolvido, da falta de capacitação e domínio dos procedimentos envolvidos, em especial quando enfrentam países exigentes, os quais são os potenciais compradores. Os países da União Europeia estão entre os maiores importadores de produtos alimentícios do Brasil, porém, são os que possuem as maiores exigências na importação de produtos. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é desenvolver um modelo de referência que considere as exigências técnicas e normativas da União Europeia para auxiliar a pequena indústria no processo de exportação de alimentos. Para isso é apresentada uma revisão bibliográfica sobre internacionalização das empresas, exigências do processo de exportação e dificuldades encontradas durante o processo de exportação. Em seguida, uma pesquisa de campo é apresentada, visando identificar as dificuldades encontradas pelas indústrias de alimentos durante o processo de exportaçã. Também são analisados alguns dos principais modelos existentes para suportar o processo de exportação, os quais são analisados e comparados, visando obter as melhores práticas de cada um deles, em função das exigências europeia. Com a coleta previamente realizada, elabora-se um modelo para suportar um processo completo de exportação, desde o atendimento às exigências nacionais, até às exigências internacionais em vários âmbitos. O modelo é submetido a avaliação de seu conceito por meio de especialistas que oferecem sugestões de melhorias para que o modelo apresente melhor desempenho em campo industrial. / Many studies highlight the importance of growth in world trade for encouraging the economic advancement of nations as a globalization motivator. Export is one of the best ways for a company to leverage its growth, and one of the sectors that most stands out in exports is the agrobusiness. However, companies that export more easily are the large ones, it has support and knowledge of the procedures involved. The small companies have difficulties due to the high cost involved, the lack of training and mastery of the procedures involved, particularly when faced with demanding countries, which are potential buyers. The European Union countries are among the largest importers of food products from Brazil, however, it is those with the highest demands on import products. Therefore the objective of this study is to develop a reference model that considers the technical and regulatory requirements in Europe to help small industry in food export process. For this is presented a review of internationalization of companies, requirements of the export process and difficulties encountered during the export process. Then, a field research is presented in order to identify the difficulties found by the food industry during the export process. It also examines some of the main existing models to support the export process, which are analyzed and compared in order to obtain the best practices of each of them, according to the European requirements. With the collection previously held, draws up a model to support a complete export process, from compliance with national requirements, to the international requirements in various areas. The model is subjected to evaluation of their concept by experts who offer suggestions for improvements to the model presents better performance in the industrial field.

A degradação da qualidade da água pelo despejo de efluentes líquidos industriais, mesmo que tratados em algum grau, vem afetando a saúde dos organismos do meio aquático, inclusive podendo afetar a saúde dos seres humanos, caracterizando um problema ambiental de escala global. Os efluentes líquidos provenientes das indústrias alimentícias A e B, objeto do presente estudo, com reconhecido potencial genotóxico, são fortes contribuintes desse processo de degradação e mesmo assim, são somente fiscalizados através de analises físicas e químicas. Desta forma, o presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o sistema de tratamento de efluentes líquidos de duas empresas de alimentos e seus efeitos genotóxicos em Astyanax sp (lambari). Os peixes foram expostos aos efluentes líquidos pré e pós-tratamento, bem como, a montante e a jusante do lançamento. A genotoxicidade foi avaliada segundo a técnica do ensaio cometa e teste do micronúcleo písceo. Foram analisados os parâmetros físicos, químicos e biológicos dos efluentes: temperatura, pH, oxigênio dissolvido, alcalinidade total, ácidos voláteis, DQO, DBO5,20, nitrogênio total, fósforo total e coliformes totais. Na análise genotóxica foram utilizados 600 exemplares de Astyanax sp, que foram expostos por 96 horas ao efluente bruto, pós tratamento, montante e jusante do corpo hídrico das duas indústrias. Os resultados obtidos através do presente estudo indicaram que em todas as amostras analisadas, inclusive no pós-tratamento e a jusante do lançamento, foram constatados danos estatisticamente significativos no material genético dos peixes analisados, com (p<0,0001). Os resultados evidenciaram que os efluentes líquidos das indústrias A e B avaliadas neste estudo, tem potencial genotóxico para causar danos aos organismos vivos presentes nos ecossistemas em que as mesmas estão inseridas. / The degradation of water quality by the discharge of industrial wastewater, even treated to some degree, has been affecting the health of aquatic organisms, including being able to affect the health of humans, featuring a global environmental problem. Liquid effluents from the food industries A and B, the object of this study with recognized genotoxic potential, are only monitored through physical and chemical analyses. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the treatment system of wastewater from two food companies and their genotoxic effects in Astyanax sp. Fish were exposed to wastewater pre and post treatment as well as upstream and downstream of the release. The genotoxicity was evaluated according to the technique of the comet assay and micronucleus test in piscine. Physical, chemical and biological parameters of: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, volatile acids, COD, BOD5.20, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and coliforms were analyzed. Genotoxic analysis in 600 specimens of Astyanax sp, which exposed for 96 hours to raw wastewater, after treatment, and downstream water body in the two industries were used. The results obtained from this study indicated that in all samples, including post processing and downstream of the release, statistically significant damages were observed in the genetic material of the fish analyzed, with (p<0,0001). The results showed that the wastewater from industries A and B evaluated in this study, have genotoxic potential to cause harm to living organisms in the ecosystems in which they are embedded.