The occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., and microorganisms indicators of fecal contamination in "coalho"cheese commercialized in 15 retail store at the Central Market of Aracaju, SE during four months was determined. Sixteen samples (26.7%) were positive for Salmonella spp. and 28 (46.7%) for coagulase positive staphylococci. In relation to contamination by total coliforms, 56 samples (93.3%) presented values from 8.0 x10² to 1.23 x10(4)NMP/g; and for thermal tolerant coliforms, from 2.72 x10² to 1.12 x10³NMP/g. These values are not acceptable for the Brazilian legislation for "coalho" cheese. This indicates that the analyzed products were inappropriate to the human consumption.
"coalho" cheese; Salmonella; coliforms; Staphylococcus
