Percepção da população do município de Uruçuí/PI sobre a importância da microbiologia de alimentos

Abstract

Microbiology is a very complex area of study that involves microorganisms that are beneficial to societies as causes of diseases, and can be studied in several areas. In view of the topic to be addressed in this research, the intention is to know and evaluate the perception of the population of the Municipality of Uruçuí/PI on the importance of food microbiology including habits and basic notions of food hygiene. The selected topics were applied in the form of questions, with answer options in easy and clear language, using the Google Forms tool. Most participants were female, between 15 and 30 years old, with a medium or higher level of education. Most of the participants pointed out that microorganisms can be found everywhere (including in the air), that microorganisms are not bad for food but can transmit diseases to humans, that hygiene of food before consumption is necessary, which include detergent and water in the process of cleaning fruits and vegetables, that utensils used for raw foods cannot be used also for cooked foods and that hand hygiene with adornments (such as jewelry) is not a correct procedure. However, the data showed that there were doubts regarding the identification of the characteristics of the botulism disease and the correct procedure for cleaning fruits and vegetables. The Uruçuiense population has a good notion on the topic of Microbiology, Food and Health. However, it is recommended that information be disseminated to the population regarding the topics causing doubts to ensure a more conscious and healthy population