Marajó Island has the biggest water buffalo herd in Brazil, and the Microregion of Arari is the main water buffalo's milk and cheese producer. This study aimed to characterize physicochemical and microbiological composition of Marajó's butter-type cheese and to verify differences in its characteristics between rainy and dry seasons of the year. Acidity, pH and percentage of fat in dry matter (% FDM) were attributes that showed significant difference (P<0.05) by Tukey test between the two seasons. The remaining Marajó's butter-type cheese components (moisture, fat, total protein, ash, salt and total dry matter) did not vary along the year. Regarding to microbiological characteristics, in general, the count was higher in the rainy season, except for Escherichia Coli, wich remained constant. Values found for total coliforms were medium to low. For E. coli values meet legal requirements (less than 101CFU g-1) and, therefore, were satisfactory. Counts of Staphylococcus aureus were high, with 0% of samples within the standards of the norm in the rainy season and 9.1% in the dry season. The aerobic mesophilic count was different between the periods of the year and was higher in the rainy season. Presence of the pathogens Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella sp. was not detected. Despite the cheeses analyzed are in accordance with national legislation regarding chemical composition, the results indicate counts of S. aureus very high, emphasizing the need for immediate implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices so the safety of products will be in agreement with actual legislation
buffalo milk; handmade cheese; centesimal composition; quality; seasonality
