Evaluation of microbiological quality of raw milk marketed commercially in Imperatriz – Maranhão

The objective of this work was to evaluate the microbiological quality of the refrigerated raw milk commercialized informally in the city of Imperatriz – Maranhão. Nine samples of raw milk were collected at several sales points and the samples were submitted to the most probable number (NMP) of Coliforms at 35 °C and Coliforms at 45 °C, detection of coliforms and intestinal pathogens. The microbiological results of the analyzed samples did not present in a quality standard. As the milk purchased was through informal commerce, there is no way to affirm the causes of this precarious condition of milk marketed in the city of Imperatriz – Maranhão.