Orientador: Fernando Leite Hoffmann / Banca: Miyoko Jakabi / Banca: Vanildo Luiz Del Bianchi / Resumo: Os alimentos prontos para o consumo provenientes de escolas, conhecidos como merenda escolar, são amplamente distribuídos aos estudantes e, por este motivo, requerem um controle higiênico-sanitário satisfatório, pois o manuseio e as condições do local de preparo inadequados podem favorecer o desenvolvimento de micro-organismos, como bactérias, bolores e leveduras. Contudo, conferem maior destaque as bactérias, principalmente as patogênicas, representando um risco à saúde pública. Com isso, é imprescindível que sejam adotadas as Boas Práticas de Fabricação (BPF) e uma ferramenta eficaz para avaliação destes aspectos é o checklist. Outro problema em saúde pública se refere ao surgimento de linhagens resistentes a agentes antimicrobianos, principalmente pelo uso indiscriminado na terapia humana. Considerando os fatos mencionados, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os aspectos higiênico-sanitários de alimentos prontos para o consumo produzidos e servidos em cozinhas de diferentes escolas públicas de um município da região Noroeste do Estado de São Paulo. Para tanto 103 amostras, envolvendo trinta de alimentos prontos para o consumo, 32 de água, 21 de swabs de esfregaços de superfícies de utensílios (tábuas de corte, facas e colheres) e vinte das mãos de manipuladores de alimentos foram submetidas a diferentes análises: determinação do Número Mais Provável (NMP) de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, pesquisas de Escherichia coli e Salmonella spp., contagem de Unidades Formadoras de Colônias (UFC) de Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus (coagulase positiva), Clostrídios sulfito-redutores, bactérias aeróbias mesófilas, bolores e leveduras. As pesquisas de Salmonella spp., B. cereus, Clostrídios sulfito-redutores, bolores e leveduras foram específicas para... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Ready-to-eat food from schools, known as school meal, are widely distributed to students and, therefore, require a satisfactory hygienic-sanitary control, because the inadequate handling and the conditions of the locations of food preparation may favor the development of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts and molds. However, provides further highlight to the bacteria especially pathogenic, featuring as risk to the public health. Thus, it is imperative to adopt the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and an effective tool for assessing these aspects is the checklist. Another important trouble in public health regards to the emergence of resistant strains to antimicrobials, especially by indiscriminate use in human therapy. Considering the mentioned facts, this study aimed to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary aspects of ready-to-eat food produced and served in kitchens from different public schools of a municipality in the northwestern region of São Paulo State. For this purpose 103 samples, involving thirty ready-to-eat food, 32 of water, 21 swabs of surfaces of utensils (cutting boards, knives and spoons) and twenty from the hands of food handlers were subjected to different analysis: determining the Most Probable Number (MPN) of total and thermotolerants coliforms, researches of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., count of Colony Forming Units (CFU) of Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus (positive coagulase), Clostridium sulphite-reducers, mesophilic aerobic bacteria, molds and yeasts. The researches of Salmonella spp., B. cereus, Clostridium sulphite-reducers, yeasts and molds were specific to the ready food and S. aureus (positive coagulase) was not evaluated in water. For the evaluation of GMP from school kitchens was used a checklist developed from current laws and to verify the... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-02-25Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:29:26Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 moyses_jb_me_sjrp.pdf: 500902 bytes, checksum: 4113db661a79aec0c0464003ea9482e1 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Os alimentos prontos para o consumo provenientes de escolas, conhecidos como merenda escolar, são amplamente distribuídos aos estudantes e, por este motivo, requerem um controle higiênico-sanitário satisfatório, pois o manuseio e as condições do local de preparo inadequados podem favorecer o desenvolvimento de micro-organismos, como bactérias, bolores e leveduras. Contudo, conferem maior destaque as bactérias, principalmente as patogênicas, representando um risco à saúde pública. Com isso, é imprescindível que sejam adotadas as Boas Práticas de Fabricação (BPF) e uma ferramenta eficaz para avaliação destes aspectos é o checklist. Outro problema em saúde pública se refere ao surgimento de linhagens resistentes a agentes antimicrobianos, principalmente pelo uso indiscriminado na terapia humana. Considerando os fatos mencionados, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os aspectos higiênico-sanitários de alimentos prontos para o consumo produzidos e servidos em cozinhas de diferentes escolas públicas de um município da região Noroeste do Estado de São Paulo. Para tanto 103 amostras, envolvendo trinta de alimentos prontos para o consumo, 32 de água, 21 de swabs de esfregaços de superfícies de utensílios (tábuas de corte, facas e colheres) e vinte das mãos de manipuladores de alimentos foram submetidas a diferentes análises: determinação do Número Mais Provável (NMP) de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, pesquisas de Escherichia coli e Salmonella spp., contagem de Unidades Formadoras de Colônias (UFC) de Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus (coagulase positiva), Clostrídios sulfito-redutores, bactérias aeróbias mesófilas, bolores e leveduras. As pesquisas de Salmonella spp., B. cereus, Clostrídios sulfito-redutores, bolores e leveduras foram específicas para... / Ready-to-eat food from schools, known as school meal, are widely distributed to students and, therefore, require a satisfactory hygienic-sanitary control, because the inadequate handling and the conditions of the locations of food preparation may favor the development of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts and molds. However, provides further highlight to the bacteria especially pathogenic, featuring as risk to the public health. Thus, it is imperative to adopt the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and an effective tool for assessing these aspects is the checklist. Another important trouble in public health regards to the emergence of resistant strains to antimicrobials, especially by indiscriminate use in human therapy. Considering the mentioned facts, this study aimed to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary aspects of ready-to-eat food produced and served in kitchens from different public schools of a municipality in the northwestern region of São Paulo State. For this purpose 103 samples, involving thirty ready-to-eat food, 32 of water, 21 swabs of surfaces of utensils (cutting boards, knives and spoons) and twenty from the hands of food handlers were subjected to different analysis: determining the Most Probable Number (MPN) of total and thermotolerants coliforms, researches of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., count of Colony Forming Units (CFU) of Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus (positive coagulase), Clostridium sulphite-reducers, mesophilic aerobic bacteria, molds and yeasts. The researches of Salmonella spp., B. cereus, Clostridium sulphite-reducers, yeasts and molds were specific to the ready food and S. aureus (positive coagulase) was not evaluated in water. For the evaluation of GMP from school kitchens was used a checklist developed from current laws and to verify the... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2013-07-02Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:35:28Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 sato_ra_me_jabo.pdf: 234674 bytes, checksum: 9e1003cc0b623acd9bf38b19d1e1a247 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O controle de qualidade dos alimentos refere-se a toda e qualquer ação que visa melhorar as boas práticas nos procedimentos de higiene e manipulação de alimentos. Portanto, existe a necessidade contínua de obter dados, estudar e fiscalizar a produção e comercialização no setor alimentício, produzindo assim um “alimento seguro”, livre de qualquer contaminação capaz de causar danos à saúde dos consumidores. Diante dessa necessidade, esse trabalho avaliou a qualidade microbiológica de sushis adquiridos em 15 restaurantes especializados em comida japonesa e 15 restaurantes não especializados da região de Ribeirão Preto - SP. As populações de microrganismos heterotróficos mesófilos e psicrotróficos variaram de 3,9 x 102 a 1,7 x 107 UFC.g-1 e 7,5 x 102 a 1,4 x 109 UFC.g-1, respectivamente. Todas as amostras analisadas apresentaram Staphylococcus sp., com populações variando de 2,0 x 102 a 3,8 x 105 UFC.g-1, sendo que 23,3% foram caracterizados como Staphylococcus coagulase positivo e 13,3% apresentaram valores de populações acima do limite estabelecido. Foram encontrados coliformes totais e termotolerantes em 83,3% e 60,0% das amostras, respectivamente, e 33,3% das mesmas estavam acima do limite estabelecido para coliformes termotolerantes. As presenças de Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli foram identificadas em 16,7% e 30,0% das amostras, respectivamente. Salmonella sp. e Vibrio parahaemolyticus não foram isoladas nesse trabalho. Não houve diferença na qualidade microbiológica de sushis oferecidos pelos dois tipos de estabelecimentos / Food quality control refers to all and any action aimed at improving good practice in hygiene procedures and food handling. Therefore, there is a continuous need to obtain data, study and monitor the production and marketing in the food industry, thus producing a safe food, free from any contamination that may cause damage to the consumers´ health. Given this need, this study evaluated the microbiological quality of sushi bought in 15 restaurants specialized in japanese food and 15 non-specialized restaurants from the region of Ribeirão Preto - SP. The populations of heterotrophic mesophiles and psychrotrophic microorganisms ranged from 3.9 x 102 to 1.7 x 107 UFC.g-1 and 7.5 x 102 to 1.4 x 109 UFC.g-1, respectively. All samples presented Staphylococcus sp., with populations ranging from 2.0 x 102 to 3.8 x 105 UFC g-1, where 23.3% were classified as positive coagulase Staphylococcus and 13.3% had population values above the established limit. Total and thermotolerant coliforms were found in 83.3% and 60.0% of the samples, respectively, and 33.3% of them were above the established thermotolerant coliform limit. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were identified in 16.7% and 30.0% of the samples, respectively. Salmonella sp. and Vibrio parahaemolyticus were not isolated in this research. There was no difference in the microbiological quality of sushi offered by the two types of establishments / FAPESP: 2011/14368-4

Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-27T13:40:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-07-15. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2016-09-27T13:45:10Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000870617.pdf: 699760 bytes, checksum: d53af1d75b85732b5ff9277249a531f1 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Recent years have seen a growing interest in sheep for meat production, mainly in São Paulo Northwest. In order to achieve greater productivity, greater food security and decreased expenditures and stemmed losses of diseases it is essential to recognize these problems, so that we can trace combat strategies of these, in addition to establishing preventive measures, so that you can reduce economic losses, maximize profits and provide a safe food. Through detailed analysis of questionnaires, direct observation in properties and sampling was done to characterize the sheep flock of micro-Araçatuba-SP, which is composed of seven municipalities. The animals were submitted to clinical and general examination by history, inspection and palpation, appropriate notes being made for the conditions of health, reproductive and nutritional management of these animals in their properties. During the visits to the properties they were made fecal collection of the rectum for monitoring by counting eggs per gram. Also punctures were performed nodules, when detected palpation for microbial culture. RESULTS: A lymphadenitis 50% history of properties, but was found in only 8.3% of these. Got an association between lymphadenitis history and mortality (p = 0.0693). It was found a history of foot problems in 91.6% of the properties was observed in 50% of them. It was found that foot problems and conducting foot baths are related (p = 0.0455). A mastitis history was obtained in 41.6% of properties, which was observed in 25% of them. About contagious ecthyma, it was reported by 25% of the properties, however, was not observed during the physical examination. The properties in its entirety declared conduct immunization against clostridial diseases. 25% had other types of vaccines. In 91.6% of the properties animals were observed with symptoms of worms. The Fisher exact test showed association between mortality...(complete abstract, electronic access below) / FAPESP: 2013/144336

Orientador: Oswaldo Durival Rossi Junior / Banca: Luiz Augusto do Amaral / Banca: Naia Carla Marchi de Rezende Lago / Resumo: O controle de qualidade dos alimentos refere-se a toda e qualquer ação que visa melhorar as boas práticas nos procedimentos de higiene e manipulação de alimentos. Portanto, existe a necessidade contínua de obter dados, estudar e fiscalizar a produção e comercialização no setor alimentício, produzindo assim um "alimento seguro", livre de qualquer contaminação capaz de causar danos à saúde dos consumidores. Diante dessa necessidade, esse trabalho avaliou a qualidade microbiológica de sushis adquiridos em 15 restaurantes especializados em comida japonesa e 15 restaurantes não especializados da região de Ribeirão Preto - SP. As populações de microrganismos heterotróficos mesófilos e psicrotróficos variaram de 3,9 x 102 a 1,7 x 107 UFC.g-1 e 7,5 x 102 a 1,4 x 109 UFC.g-1, respectivamente. Todas as amostras analisadas apresentaram Staphylococcus sp., com populações variando de 2,0 x 102 a 3,8 x 105 UFC.g-1, sendo que 23,3% foram caracterizados como Staphylococcus coagulase positivo e 13,3% apresentaram valores de populações acima do limite estabelecido. Foram encontrados coliformes totais e termotolerantes em 83,3% e 60,0% das amostras, respectivamente, e 33,3% das mesmas estavam acima do limite estabelecido para coliformes termotolerantes. As presenças de Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli foram identificadas em 16,7% e 30,0% das amostras, respectivamente. Salmonella sp. e Vibrio parahaemolyticus não foram isoladas nesse trabalho. Não houve diferença na qualidade microbiológica de sushis oferecidos pelos dois tipos de estabelecimentos / Abstract: Food quality control refers to all and any action aimed at improving good practice in hygiene procedures and food handling. Therefore, there is a continuous need to obtain data, study and monitor the production and marketing in the food industry, thus producing a "safe food", free from any contamination that may cause damage to the consumers' health. Given this need, this study evaluated the microbiological quality of sushi bought in 15 restaurants specialized in japanese food and 15 non-specialized restaurants from the region of Ribeirão Preto - SP. The populations of heterotrophic mesophiles and psychrotrophic microorganisms ranged from 3.9 x 102 to 1.7 x 107 UFC.g-1 and 7.5 x 102 to 1.4 x 109 UFC.g-1, respectively. All samples presented Staphylococcus sp., with populations ranging from 2.0 x 102 to 3.8 x 105 UFC g-1, where 23.3% were classified as positive coagulase Staphylococcus and 13.3% had population values above the established limit. Total and thermotolerant coliforms were found in 83.3% and 60.0% of the samples, respectively, and 33.3% of them were above the established thermotolerant coliform limit. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were identified in 16.7% and 30.0% of the samples, respectively. Salmonella sp. and Vibrio parahaemolyticus were not isolated in this research. There was no difference in the microbiological quality of sushi offered by the two types of establishments / Mestre

Resumo:Nos últimos anos houve um crescente interesse na criação de ovinos para a produção de carne, principalmente na região Noroeste do Estado de São Paulo. A fim de se obter maior produtividade, maior segurança alimentar e diminuição de gastos e perdas provindos de enfermidades torna-se imprescindível o reconhecimento de tais problemas, para que se possa traçar estratégias de combate e prevenção destes. Por meio de análise detalhada de questionários, observação direta em doze propriedades e coleta de amostras de 633 animais, foi feita a caracterização do rebanho ovino da microrregião de Araçatuba-SP, que é composta por sete municípios. Os animais foram submetidos ao exame clínico-geral, por meio da anamnese, inspeção e palpação, sendo feitas as devidas anotações quanto às condições de manejo sanitário, reprodutivo e nutricional desses animais em suas respectivas propriedades. Durante as visitas às propriedades foram feitas as coletas de fezes da ampola retal para acompanhamento por contagem de ovos por grama. Também foram realizadas punções de nódulos, quando detectados a palpação, para cultura microbiana. Constatou-se um histórico de linfadenite em 50% das propriedades, porém houve identificação da doença em apenas 8,3% destas. Constatou-se um histórico de afecções podais em 91,6% das propriedades, observou-se em 50% delas. Um histórico de mastite foi obtido em 41,6% das propriedades, a qual foi observada em 25% delas. Sobre ectima contagioso, foi relatado por 25% das propriedades, porém, não foi observado durante os exames físicos. As propriedades em sua totalidade declararam realizar vacinação contra clostridioses. 25% realizavam outros tipos de vacinas. Em 91,6% das propriedades foram observados animais com sintomatologia de verminose. Práticas de higienização das instalações e ambientes e técnicas de manejo sanitário eram adotadas em...(resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract:Recent years have seen a growing interest in sheep for meat production, mainly in São Paulo Northwest. In order to achieve greater productivity, greater food security and decreased expenditures and stemmed losses of diseases it is essential to recognize these problems, so that we can trace combat strategies of these, in addition to establishing preventive measures, so that you can reduce economic losses, maximize profits and provide a safe food. Through detailed analysis of questionnaires, direct observation in properties and sampling was done to characterize the sheep flock of micro-Araçatuba-SP, which is composed of seven municipalities. The animals were submitted to clinical and general examination by history, inspection and palpation, appropriate notes being made for the conditions of health, reproductive and nutritional management of these animals in their properties. During the visits to the properties they were made fecal collection of the rectum for monitoring by counting eggs per gram. Also punctures were performed nodules, when detected palpation for microbial culture. RESULTS: A lymphadenitis 50% history of properties, but was found in only 8.3% of these. Got an association between lymphadenitis history and mortality (p = 0.0693). It was found a history of foot problems in 91.6% of the properties was observed in 50% of them. It was found that foot problems and conducting foot baths are related (p = 0.0455). A mastitis history was obtained in 41.6% of properties, which was observed in 25% of them. About contagious ecthyma, it was reported by 25% of the properties, however, was not observed during the physical examination. The properties in its entirety declared conduct immunization against clostridial diseases. 25% had other types of vaccines. In 91.6% of the properties animals were observed with symptoms of worms. The Fisher exact test showed association between mortality...(complete abstract, electronic access below) / Orientador:Luiz Cláudio Nogueira Mendes / Banca:Vera Cláudia Lorenzetti Magalhães Curci / Banca:Luzia Helena Queiroz / Mestre

Orientador: Fernando Leite Hoffmann / Banca: Margarete Teresa Gottardo de Almeida / Banca: Maria Luiza Silva Fazio / Resumo: Os alimentos são passiveis de contaminação por diferentes agentes etiológicos que podem levar ao desenvolvimento de doenças afetando a saúde humana desencadeada por microrganismos patogênicos ou suas toxinas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a merenda servida ás crianças, e as condições de preparo desta, através da análise microbiológica dos principais micro-organismos envolvidos em doenças transmitidas por alimentos.Este trabalho analisou 78 amostras de diferentes tipos de alimento servido para as crianças em 3 escolas do ensino infantil da cidade de São José do Rio Preto, 21 amostras de água utilizada no preparo da merenda e 29 amostras de Swab das mãos dos manipuladores. Avaliou-se a merenda foram quanto a presença de Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, determinação do número mais provável de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, contagem de Bacillus cereus, Clostridios sulfito redutores, Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e bolores e leveduras. As amostras de água foram avaliadas quanto a contagem total de bactérias heterotróficas, coliformes totais, termotolerantes e pesquisa de E.coli. Investigou-se coliformes totais, termotolerantes, pesquisa de E.coli, contagem de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e bolores e leveduras nas amostras de swab. Quando presentes cepas de E. coli e S. aureus foi realizado teste de sensibilidade a antimicrobianos. Para avaliação das condições de preparo da merenda realizou-se um check list nas cozinhas das escolas. 100% das amostras estavam de acordo com a legislação na contagem de Bacillus cereus, Clostridios sulfito redutores e pesquisa de Salmonella spp. 7,7% das amostras apresentaram contagens iguais ou superiores a 1100 NMP para coliformes totais, 1,3% não atendiam aos padrões estabelecidos para coliformes termotolerantes, em 6,4% das amostras foi detectado a presença de E.coli 1.3% apresentou... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Foods are susceptible to contamination from different etiologic agents which can lead to the development of illnesses affecting human health triggered by pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins. The objective of the study is to evaluate the conditions in which the school meals are served to the children through a microbiological analysis of the principal food-related pathogens. This work analyzed 78 samples of different types of food served to children from 3 infant schools in the city of São José do Rio Preto, 21 water samples used in the preparation of school meals and 29 swab samples from the hands of the food handlers. The food samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, the most probable number (MPN) of total and thermotolerant coliforms, the amount of Bacillus cereus, sulphite-reducing Clostridium, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, mould and yeast. The water samples were tested for the total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliforms, thermotolerants, and traces of E. coli. The swab samples were analysed for total coliforms, thermotolerants, traces of E. coli, the amount of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, mould and yeast. The strains of E. coli and S. aureus found were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. To evaluation of conditions of preparation of the meal took place a check list in school kitchens. 100% of the samples were in accordance with the legislation for the amount of Bacillus cereus, sulphite-reducing Clostridium and traces of Salmonella spp. 7.7% of the samples presented results equal to or above 1100 MPN for total coliforms while 1.3% did not comply with the standards established for thermotolerant coliforms. In 6.4% of the samples the presence of E. coli was detected; 1.3% presented results higher than 10 3 colony-forming units (CFU) for coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and 6.4% of the samples presented... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-08-05Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:09:13Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 werle_ch_me_sjrp.pdf: 450035 bytes, checksum: 099e05dc79950fa3c945b0a7abcf9810 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Os alimentos são passiveis de contaminação por diferentes agentes etiológicos que podem levar ao desenvolvimento de doenças afetando a saúde humana desencadeada por microrganismos patogênicos ou suas toxinas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a merenda servida ás crianças, e as condições de preparo desta, através da análise microbiológica dos principais micro-organismos envolvidos em doenças transmitidas por alimentos.Este trabalho analisou 78 amostras de diferentes tipos de alimento servido para as crianças em 3 escolas do ensino infantil da cidade de São José do Rio Preto, 21 amostras de água utilizada no preparo da merenda e 29 amostras de Swab das mãos dos manipuladores. Avaliou-se a merenda foram quanto a presença de Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, determinação do número mais provável de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, contagem de Bacillus cereus, Clostridios sulfito redutores, Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e bolores e leveduras. As amostras de água foram avaliadas quanto a contagem total de bactérias heterotróficas, coliformes totais, termotolerantes e pesquisa de E.coli. Investigou-se coliformes totais, termotolerantes, pesquisa de E.coli, contagem de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e bolores e leveduras nas amostras de swab. Quando presentes cepas de E. coli e S. aureus foi realizado teste de sensibilidade a antimicrobianos. Para avaliação das condições de preparo da merenda realizou-se um check list nas cozinhas das escolas. 100% das amostras estavam de acordo com a legislação na contagem de Bacillus cereus, Clostridios sulfito redutores e pesquisa de Salmonella spp. 7,7% das amostras apresentaram contagens iguais ou superiores a 1100 NMP para coliformes totais, 1,3% não atendiam aos padrões estabelecidos para coliformes termotolerantes, em 6,4% das amostras foi detectado a presença de E.coli 1.3% apresentou... / Foods are susceptible to contamination from different etiologic agents which can lead to the development of illnesses affecting human health triggered by pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins. The objective of the study is to evaluate the conditions in which the school meals are served to the children through a microbiological analysis of the principal food-related pathogens. This work analyzed 78 samples of different types of food served to children from 3 infant schools in the city of São José do Rio Preto, 21 water samples used in the preparation of school meals and 29 swab samples from the hands of the food handlers. The food samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, the most probable number (MPN) of total and thermotolerant coliforms, the amount of Bacillus cereus, sulphite-reducing Clostridium, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, mould and yeast. The water samples were tested for the total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliforms, thermotolerants, and traces of E. coli. The swab samples were analysed for total coliforms, thermotolerants, traces of E. coli, the amount of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, mould and yeast. The strains of E. coli and S. aureus found were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. To evaluation of conditions of preparation of the meal took place a check list in school kitchens. 100% of the samples were in accordance with the legislation for the amount of Bacillus cereus, sulphite-reducing Clostridium and traces of Salmonella spp. 7.7% of the samples presented results equal to or above 1100 MPN for total coliforms while 1.3% did not comply with the standards established for thermotolerant coliforms. In 6.4% of the samples the presence of E. coli was detected; 1.3% presented results higher than 10 3 colony-forming units (CFU) for coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and 6.4% of the samples presented... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)