HEALTH PROFILE OF FAMILY AGRICULTURAL PRODUCER UNITS OF RAW MILK AND THEIR ADJUSTMENT TO THE CURRENT LAW

Abstract The northern region of Minas Gerais State is characterized as one of the regions of the country where milk has an important economic and social role for the family farming sector. Due to legal requirements, this sector must adjust so that the product will be marketed without bringing risk to the consumers, being, therefore, competitive on the commercial market. The objective of this study was to characterize the productive management generally adopted by the family farms in the municipalities of Bocaiuva, Capitão Enéas, Francisco Sá, and Montes Claros, in northern Minas Gerais, identifying the barriers to the production of milk within the parameters established by the legislation. The production system was evaluated by collecting data from questionnaires and checklists in the different environments involved with the production. The microbiological quality was assessed by enumeration of indicator microorganisms in aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophic, Staphylococcus sp and coliforms in raw milk, raw refrigerated milk, water and utensils used in the production. The results of microbiological analysis associated with the adopted practices revealed the main cause of milk contamination was the inadequate use or the lack of good hygiene practices in the production system, representing the main obstacle to attend the legal requirements for this product.