ASSESSMENT OF THE MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF WATER PACKED IN BAGS MANUFACTURED IN SINCELEJO-COLOMBIA

Objective. To evaluate the microbiological quality of water for human consumption packed in bags, manufactured in Sincelejo (Colombia), as well as the physicochemical and operational variables that may affect it. Materials and methods. For the assessment of total and faecal coliforms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and mesophiles in 13 brands of water packed in bags, the method of membrane filtration (FxM) was used. Results. 92% of the brands of water packed in bags manufactured in Sincelejo city, presented mesophilic bacteria in their product, while in 33% of them were found total coliform. In a brand fecal coliforms were detected, in another one Pseudomonas aeruginosa; the microbial reports were higher in the packaging plants with INVIMA registration. Conclusions. Much of the water plastic bag packed manufactured in Sincelejo, have a risk to consumers health, due to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, which is related to inadequate production processes and intermittent supplies of the water used as feedstock.