ANÁLISE MACROSCÓPICA E MICROSCÓPICA DE CHÁS COMERCIALIZADOS EM FORTALEZA – CE

The objective of this research was to carry out a macroscopic and microscopic analysis of two brands of artisanal teas sold in supermarkets in the city of Fortaleza / CE. Samples of different brands called “A” sample “B” sample of teas containing eight different herbs were evaluated. The methodologies that were used in the evaluation of the quality of the samples of the study were macroscopic research of foreign material and microscopic research of biological contaminants. The determination of foreign material was carried out through the inspections of the samples. Therefore, samples with 20g will be screened under a flat surface and foreign materials will be visualized with the aid of a magnifying glass (Vuemax-Pro), in a higher magnification objective. Biological contamination was evaluated using the spontaneous sedimentation method, where approximately 10 g of each sample was homogenized and subjected to a sieve in fine mesh sieves. The study showed the presence of whole insects, fragments of insects, as well as larvae, helminths, protozoan cysts, rodent hair and other contaminants that are considered physical and biological contaminants, as they can transmit infectious agents to food, causing harm to human health