QUALIDADE MICROBIOLÓGICA DOS MÉIS DE ABELHAS DO GÊNERO APIS MELLIFERA COMERCIALIZADOS NA CIDADE DE CHAPECÓ/SC

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of honey from Apis mellifera, commercialized in Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, and to verify if the commercialized honey is in agreement with the Brazilian legislation. We evaluated thirteen samples of honey sold in the city of Chapecó. The samples were purchased in local trade and sent to the laboratory of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Biology of the State University of Santa Catarina. The microbiological analyzes were realized following the methodology according to ANVISA. It was carried out the determination of NMP of E. coli at 35ºC and quantification of molds and yeasts in Sabouraud medium. Results were submitted to analysis of variance and the mean test used was Tukey at 5% significance. The parameters evaluated relative humidity, water activity, and pH showed a significant difference (P <0.05) for the evaluated brands. The sample of brand 1 presented the highest growth for the analysis of molds and yeasts (3X104 UFC g-1); however, five samples showed no growth. The other samples had growth ranging from 1x104 CFU g-1 to 2x105 CFU g-1. For Escherichia coli, sample 28 was the only positive sample and was considered inappropriate for consumption.