Microbiological Quality of Apis mellifera L. Honey Samples from Western Paraná, Southern Brazil

Honey from the western region of Paraná receives the seal of origin and in-process denomination of origin because it is mostly produced in permanent preservation areas, adherence to hygiene and sanitary standards, proper management techniques and agro-industrial management. The objective of this study was to verify the microbiological quality of honey produced by beekeepers associated with Cooperative. Sixty-seven honey samples were evaluated for microbiological quality, and the mean values observed to total aerobic mesophiles were 2.52 log CFU/g; Clostridium spp. 1.46 log CFU/g; total coliforms 0.78 log CFU/g; fecal coliforms 0.50 log CFU/g; total yeasts 0.46 log CFU/g, and 2.95 log CFU/g total molds. The evaluations showed the incidence of anaerobic mesophilic in 70% of the samples, Clostridium spp. 77%; total coliforms 60%, fecal coliforms 62%, molds 83% and 34% yeasts. Five genera of the isolated molds commonly found in honey were Fusarium spp. 0.35 log CFU/g; Aspergillus spp. 0.52 log CFU/g; Cladosporium spp. 1.2 log CFU/g, Phoma spp. 0.71 log CFU/g and 0.16 log CFU/g Penicillium spp. Multivariate analysis showed the formation of two groups and indicated the heterogeneity in the bacterial load of the samples. Although microbiological analyses were not mandatory for honey, these results demonstrated the hygienic-sanitary quality of the samples of honey produced. For the reduction of secondary-origin microorganisms, the handlers were recommended to follow the sanitary hygiene norms and handling techniques.