Avaliação microbiológica, atividade de água e umidade em méis de espécies de abelhas sociais sem ferrão (Apidae: Meliponinae) de municípios do Território de Irecê – Ba

Abstract

Compared with other products of animal origin, honey has low microbiota, however is not a sterile food and is susceptible to contamination by improper handling. Water content is an important parameter to estimate the physical and chemical stability and microbiological analysis of food products, due to their influence on chemical reactions, enzymatic and microbiological. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the microbiological and physical-chemical properties (water activity and moisture) in honey samples of different species of stingless social bees from municipalities of the Territories of Irecê - BA. Twenty honey samples were collected with five samples for each species (Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides Lepeletier, 1836; Melipona mandacaia Smith; Melipona scutellaris Latreille, 1811 and Scaptotrigona sp.). The samples were sent to the Center for the Study of Insects (Insecta) of the Center for Agricultural Sciences, Environmental and Biological of the Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia in Cruz das Almas - BA. The samples were evaluated for the presence of yeasts and molds (CFU g-1), total and fecal coliforms (NMP.g-1) and aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic (CFU g-1). As for the physical and chemical parameters, moisture content and water activity were analyzed. The presence of the coliform group of microorganisms and aerobic psychrotrophic has not been verified, however it was found in 85.0% of samples the presence of aerobic mesophilic. A total of 65.0% of the samples showed standard counting for yeasts and molds. As moisture and aw, were found overall average of 28.63% ± 1.55 and 0.79 ± 0.03 aw, respectively. Based on Pearson's coefficient, there was correlation between the variables and mesophilic yeasts and molds. It was found that water activity and moisture also exhibit positive relationship. However, [despite the known influence of water on the growth of microorganisms] moisture and water activity of the honey samples did not explain the count of molds and yeasts, and aerobic mesophilic found. These results point to the need to consider microbiological analyzes associated with physicochemical in honey as a way to have a greater guarantee of sanitary conditions and the use of Beekeeping Practice (GAP) in all stages of the production process.