A importância do programa de monitoramento da qualidade sanitária de alimentos para a saúde pública: uma revisão

Abstract

The Unified Health System (SUS) in Brazil goes beyond direct medical care by incorporating public health policies, including sanitary surveillance. Food contamination poses a serious global public health threat, with over 200 types of foodborne diseases documented by the WHO. The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) developed the National Program for Monitoring the Sanitary Quality of Foods (PNMQSA) to mitigate these risks. This study critically evaluates the impact of PNMQSA on public health through a systematic review. The research used a qualitative approach with a systematic literature review. Fifteen articles were selected from databases such as Google Scholar and Scielo, using descriptors related to sanitary surveillance, public health, and foodborne diseases. Sanitary surveillance plays a crucial role in identifying and mitigating foodborne disease outbreaks in Brazil, with 2,363 outbreaks reported between 2007 and 2010. The PNMQSA, initiated by ANVISA in the 2000s, monitors the sanitary quality of foods through partnerships with state and municipal health surveillances and central laboratories. Initial phases of the program showed high non-compliance rates. The decentralization of the program since 2006 allowed for more effective regional adaptations, although infrastructure and training challenges still persist in some states. This shows that food quality monitoring programs are essential for protecting public health by identifying risks early and implementing effective preventive measures.