MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF CHEESE: SOLD IN THE CITY TEPIC, NAYARIT

In the city of Tepic, Nayarit, and throughout Mexico, cheese is consumed on a large scale in all its forms. It is a protein-rich food that has been used since the time of our ancestors to meet nutritional needs and continues to be consumed today. There are many varieties of cheese, each with different colors, flavors, and textures.Some cheeses are produced using sterilization techniques and in compliance with regulations, but many are made by hand without pasteurizing the milk at the very facilities where the livestock is raised-typically on ranches near the city of Tepic.Poor manufacturing practices and inadequate hygiene during cheese production can lead to contamination and, subsequently, a potential gastrointestinal infection for the consumer.