8/3/2019 APIMONDIA Microbiology Pollen

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MICROBIOLOGICALAGENTESINCORBICULARPOLLENATHIGHLANDSMOUNTAINSINBOYACACOLOMBIA

Salamanca,G.G.;Osorio,T.M.P.;Tapiero,C.L;Henao,R.C.;Ferro,E.

GrupodeInvestigacionesMellitopalinolgicasyPropiedadesFisicoqumicasdeAlimentos.

FacultadeCienciasDepartamentodeQumicaUniversidaddelTolima.Email:salamancagrosso@gmail.com

Thirty-five (35) samples of corbicular bee pollen were collectedin Boyac ( 5 4767722N; 6 0362N; 72 4449W; 73 11

17W). Paipa, Tutaza; Paz del Rio and Sotaquir. 2213 -

3100 O.V.L; 14 to 23C. Pluviometric level 600- 900 mm/year.

R.H. 29 to 46% (December/February). Microbiological analisis:

Aerobic mesophiles. Mould and yeast. Coliforms. E. coli(Coagulase positive) and S. aureus.

Honeybee collected pollen, a traditional product of

beekeeping, is used as an ingredient in diet cooking and isthought to be a source of physiologically active elements. In

Colombia commercial production of biologically active food

supplements based on honeybee pollen has recently been

growing. With physiological value of pollen having beenstudied well enough, scientists have limited access to

publications on hygienic aspects of pollen which would involve

microbiological analysis.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

MATERIALSANDMETHODS

The aims of this study were to assess in wet and dry pollen theincidence and effect on the growth of microbiological agents,

through systematic classifications and selective tinsion. Anaerobic

agents are dependen on environment and harvest procedures.

Molds (40-40000 cfu/ g) and yeasts (40-50000 cfu/g) are usual.

These values suggest the implementation of a regular program for

pollen collection from colonys at wetland areas and procedures for

reduction of water activity by drying. Pathogens were not identified.

RESULTSANDDISCUSSION

Decimal solutions technique was applied. Conditions

for incubating enriched selective media allowed the

growth and development of microbiological culture

that were then used in the identification of molds andyeasts by use of taxonomic keys.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of robust traceability and weaknesses in reportingsystems for outbreaks limits any comprehensive evaluation

of the role of bee pollen as a source of foodborne infection.

Implementation of a regular program for pollen collection

from colonys at wetland areas and procedures for reduction

of water activity by drying is usefull. Pathogens were not

identified. Our work is a contribution to the pollenknowledge and food safety and control.

In bee pollen harvesting at the appropriate time and storing theharvested products under controlled conditions will help retard

growth of post-harvest spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms.

Humid and warm storage conditions encourage the growth of

microbial contaminants. The use of additional post-harvest

procedures could reduce the contamination. HACCP and BPM

procedures are mandatory.

Water Activity Affects the behavior of total aerobic mesofiles, yeasts

and molds by growth sporulation and toxin production. Temperature,pH and nutrient availability also have incidence in microbiological

spoligage and stability of pollen. A. flavus, A.ochraceus, A. niger, A.

clavatus, Penicillium spp, Fusarium spp. A. parasiticus and mucor,

are responsible for loss of the quality of pollen.