Qualidade microbiológica, composição nutricional e estabilidade oxidativa de filés de tilápia congelados disponíveis no varejo

Abstract

Global tilapia consumption reached approximately 7.1 million tons in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 5.7%, consolidating the species as one of the main global protein sources. However, the precariousness in food safety represents a massive economic barrier, with annual health costs exceeding US$ 14.1 billion and losses from recall events exceeding US$ 100 million for the industry. Given this scenario, the present study evaluated the physicochemical, microbiological, and oxidative quality of frozen tilapia fillets commercialized in retail markets over storage time (D0, D3, D7, and D14).The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (brand × storage time), with data subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means compared using Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). A significant brand effect was observed on proximate composition, with variations in crude protein and extract contents, while moisture and ash showed no significant variations among brands and storage times. Although the glazing percentage predominantly met current legislation, microbiological analyses revealed critical non-conformities in part of the samples, regardless of storage time, indicating serious deficiencies in hygienic-sanitary control at the retail level. Oxidative stability, assessed by TBARS, showed progressive deterioration, with a significant increase in values at D7 and D14 and a significant brand × time interaction (p < 0.05). More than simple qualitative heterogeneity, the presence of pathogens and the observed oxidative instability expose vulnerabilities that directly compromise public health and the economic sustainability of the sector. The results reinforce that compliance with microbiological standards is not merely a legal requirement but a vital commercial survival strategy, demanding the immediate standardization of best practice protocols and the intensification of sanitary surveillance in the retail cold chain.