Hipoclorito de sódio e fervura melhoram a qualidade microbiológica e de armazenamento das larvas de mosca-soldado-negra (Hermetia illucens L.) Diptera: Stratiomyidae

Abstract

Edible insects represent a nutritious and sustainable option to meet human and animal nutrition demands. To ensure that these products reach the market with microbiological excellence until the end of their shelf life, it is essential to detect and mitigate possible contaminants throughout the production and storage process. In this sense, the present study evaluated the effect of sodium hypochlorite (HPC) and boiling (FEV), applied alone or in sequence, on the microbiological and storage quality of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens, BSF), one of the most prosperous species for large-scale production. For this, a 2x2 factorial experiment was conducted, using the HPC and FEV factors applied at the presence and absence levels. Quantitative analyzes of quality and spoilage indicator microorganisms (total aerobic mesophiles, Enterobacteriaceae, filamentous fungi and yeasts) were carried out. Subsequently, the effect of storage at room temperature (± 25.4ºC) and refrigerated (± 5.2ºC) under the same parameters was verified. It was observed that only the application of HPC followed by FEV resulted in significantly reduced counts for all microorganisms evaluated, when compared to samples that did not receive either procedure (p < 0.05). Reductions ranged from 1.86 to 3.89 log CFU/g. When subjecting the BSF larvae to this sequential procedure and storing them at room temperature for 28 days, it was observed that all microbiological parameters analyzed remained stable and without significant changes (p > 0.05). On the other hand, there was an increase of 1.78 log CFU/g (p < 0.05) in the population of total aerobic mesophiles after the refrigerated storage period. Therefore, under such conditions, this type of storage cannot be recommended as it was not able to delay microbiological deterioration. Although nutritional and chemical analyzes are necessary, the results open perspectives for the feasibility of storing and transporting BSF larvae subjected to HPC and FEV in sequence without the need for a refrigerator. In the quest to fill one of the most important gaps in the edible insect production chain, the recommendations obtained in this investigation can be integrated into a design of strategies applicable by producers in a simple, economical and effective way to guarantee a safe and microbiologically stable product.