Survey of Hygienic quality of honey samples collected form Qazvin province during 2011-2012

Background & Aims of the Study : Consumption of honey has remarkably increased in the last years all over the world. Factors such as plant species, environmental, processing, and storing condition are affecting honey quality. The purpose of this study was to evaluation of Hygienic quality of honey samples produced from Qazvin province. Materials and Methods: 34 fresh honey Samples were obtained from beekeepers from different regions of the alamut area in the period between June and November 2011. The microbial contamination (bacteria and fungi) was determined using conventional microbiological methods and the total aflatoxin was detected by “high performance liquid chromatography” (HPLC). Results: The results of microbial analysis showed that the aerobic mesophil bacteria count (50 cfu/g) and fungal count (1.5*10 2 cfu/g) were in low levels. However, coliforms were not detected in any of the honey sample. The most prevalent bacteria and fungi were Bacillus cereus and Aspergillus flavus respectively. Based on the HPLC method analysis, all of honey samples were contaminated whit aflatoxin and the mean concentration of aflatoxin was 3.67 ppb. Also the aflatoxin levels in 35% honey samples were higher than the maximum allowable amount of Europe ::::union:::: (4 µg/kg). Conclusion : According to the results, should have more control on the Hygienic quality of honey over the production, storage and supply periods in this area.