Microbiological quality of selected street foods from a restricted area of São Paulo city, Brazil

The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological quality of popular street foods available in a restricted area in São Paulo, Brazil. Forty samples were submitted to the research of fecal coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, and were classified according to preparation site and group of food. Informal observations of the vendors were also carried out. 35% of the samples were considered unsuitable for consumption according to the microbiological criteria. B. cereus posed the greater percentage risk among the pathogens. Given the socio-economic importance of street foods, this trend demands actions by the authorities and consumers to improve its safety and to prevent harms to public health.