Assessment of the Microbiological and Physicochemical Characteristics of Bee Pollen From Şanlıurfa Region, Türkiye

Authors : Ayşegül Demircioğlu, Mehmet Emin Aydemir, Emine Betül Tuğbay, Migena Gjoni Gündemir

Pages : 166-172

Doi:10.47027/duvetfd.1803968

View : 67 | Download : 54

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Bee pollen is commonly consumed as a natural dietary supplement due to its rich nutritional content and bioactive components. However, consuming it directly without any processing steps can pose a potential risk to public health concerning microbiological safety. This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality and certain physicochemical properties of bee pollen available for sale in the Şanlıurfa region. In this context, a total of 12 different bee pollen samples were analyzed, collected from local herbalists and apiculture product sales outlets. In the physicochemical analyses, pH, moisture, and color (CIE Lab*) values were determined using standard analytical methods. For the microbiological analyses, counts were conducted for total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB), coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, yeast, and mold. Additionally, analyses were performed to detect the presence of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. The pH, moisture, and color (CIE Lab*) values were found to be 4.24–5.33 (average 4.91 ± 0.29), 9.87–24.66% (average 14.18 ± 4.40), and L* 23.30 ± 4.27, a* 10.81 ± 3.30, b* 27.43 ± 7.44, respectively. In the microbiological analyses, total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) counts ranged from 4.38 to 5.28 log CFU/g, yeast–mold counts from 2.34 to 3.92 log CFU/g, coliform bacteria from 1.97 to 3.27 log CFU/g, and Enterobacteriaceae from 1.73 to 4.23 log CFU/g. E. coli, S. aureus, Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes, and E. coli O157:H7 were not detected in any of the samples. These results indicate that bee pollen is safe in terms of pathogens, but mold development in some samples may pose a mycotoxin risk. In conclusion, it was determined that bee pollen sold in the Şanlıurfa region is generally of suitable quality but requires attention regarding microbiological safety. To consider bee pollen a safe functional food, it is necessary to improve hygiene conditions during production and storage processes and to establish microbiological quality standards.
Keywords : Arı poleni, Mikrobiyolojik kalite, Gıda güvenliği, Şanlıurfa

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