Produção, comercialização, consumo, qualidade microbiológica e características físico-químicas da carne de sol do norte de Minas Gerais

Abstract

This study evaluated the profile of consumers of carne-de-sol, in the northern region of Minas Gerais state. Were interviewed more than 800 customers using questionnaires consisted of questions related to carne-de-sol consumption, the frequency, the demand of the consumer, concern related to the aspects of consumption, purchasing habits, quality and product safety, were also considered the socioeconomic profile of consumers. Most of interviewers claimed to consume carne-de-sol from two to three times a week, preferring the product by its characteristic taste and having like the main criterion of choosing its appearance. In relation to purchasing habits, consumers prefer to shop in the same establishment, getting the search for carne-de-sol of quality as a second option for purchase the product. The main concern of consumers of carne-de-sol in relation to the consumption of the product is the danger to the health in the sanitary aspect, however, the consumers said in their majority mostly prefer the carne-de-sol exposed to the chilled. Over 50% of interviewers did not know what is the seal of the Federal Inspection Service - SIF. Evaluate the profile of consumers is important, because every product has the consumer as the ultimate goal for success in relation to production and commercialization. However, important factors like product quality should be studied so that producers are made aware of the importance of processing in appropriate hygienic conditions, providing safe foods for the consumption.