Processamento de polpas de frutas: análise de etapas operacionais e práticas agroindustriais

Abstract

The technological processing of fruits emerges as a strategic alternative to mitigate post-harvest losses and add value to primary production in the Brazilian Semiarid region. The objective of this study was to carry out a technical-operational analysis of the production flowchart of a semi-industrial fruit pulp facility located in Quixaba-PB, correlating the observed stages with the guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and the principles of Environmental and Water Resources Management. The research was characterized as a descriptive case study with participant observation, conducted in October 2022, as part of the activities of the Graduate Program in Agroindustrial Systems (PPGSA/UFCG). The results enabled the detailed mapping of ten interdependent unit operations, ranging from the raw material reception and weighing to the final logistics shipment. It was identified that the washing and chlorinated sanitization stages concentrate the highest volumetric water consumption, demanding rigorous pH monitoring and effluent neutralization prior to disposal. The organic residual fractions generated during pulping (peels and seeds) showed high potential for the application of Cleaner Production (CP) and Circular Economy concepts through redirection to animal nutrition or regional composting. It is concluded that strict compliance with the regulatory framework of MAPA and ANVISA, combined with a rigid thermal control in fast freezing (-18 °C), provides high economic viability and food safety to the agroindustry, consolidating the enterprise as an essential vector for socioeconomic development and regional sustainability.