The following work, had the purpose to verify the occurrence of fungi which produce mycotoxin, specially the Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium genus in the granola commercialized in Porto Alegre, once that this food is having an increasing consumption.These fibered fungi are certified frequently in cereals, which are found in the granola (a mix of grains, nuts and dried fruits, sometimes coated with oil and honey, eaten for breakfast or as a snack). Granola samples were acquired in the Public Market of Porto Alegre since August 2004 until April 2005, during the four seasons of the year. The collection was based on four samples of different origins, two of which are commercialized packed and sealed up, and the other two commercialized in bulk. The analyses had followed the described procedures for Compendium of Methods for Examination of Foods. The fungi identification was based on the macroscopic and microscopic morphology, with the assistance of identification keys. The results certified the presence of Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium fungi, with the predominance of the Aspergillus genus in three seasons. In summer it had a bigger mycelium development and in autumn the lowest fungi growth. The results suggest a bigger control and inspection, seeking for eliminate any occurrence of microorganism producer of toxins in the granola.
mycotoxins; food; pathogenicity; food security
