MEL DE Apis mellifera: ESTUDO DA QUALIDADE MICROBIOLÓGICA

Abstract

The microbial flora of honey is variable, having its microbiota and that which is introduced through external factors such as inadequate management. The objective of this work was to evaluate the microbiological quality of Apis mellifera honey produced in Sertão Paraibano. Thirty-one samples of Apis mellifera honey were collected in different locations in the Sertão Paraibano and were sent to the Food Microbiology Laboratory of CVT/UFCG Pombal for the analysis of Coliforms at 35°C and 45°C, Escherichia coli, mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Staphylococcus sp., Salmonella spp., and Molds and Yeasts. Coliform contamination at 35°C and 45°C were evaluated at 45% and 13% of the samples, respectively. Escherichia coli was present in 10% of the analyzed samples. Aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Staphylococcus sp., Salmonella spp., and molds and yeasts were evidenced with percentages of 97%, 58%, 35%, and 55% in honey. It is concluded that all samples of honey from Apis mellifera showed contamination, showing the lack of quality of honey produced in Sertão Paraibano, being important the implementation of Good Beekeeping Practices for a better quality of honey.