Microbiological purity of bee pollen

The aim of the research was to study the changes in the microbiological contamination of bee pollen during its drying and freezing. Bee pollen is the richest source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and it is also rich in phenolic compounds. Freshly harvested bee pollen also contains a significant amount of moisture, which is a favorable environment for the development of mycotoxins and mold fungi. The use of this bee product as a biologically active additive (dietary supplement) can cause serious food poisoning and even diseases. The content of microbiological indicators was studied: total microbial contamination (CMAFAnM), bacteria of the genus Salmonella, Shigella, bacteria of the Escherichia coli group (BGCP), mold fungi, osmophilic yeast, S. Aureus, in pollen pollen harvested in apiaries of the Ryazan region and stabilized by drying and freezing. Also, organoleptic (appearance, aroma, taste) and physical and chemical characteristics (determination of mass moisture and hydrogen pH) were studied. The determination of organoleptic, physical, and chemical indicators was carried out in the testing laboratory of the direction of chemical and biological research of bee products "FNC Beekeeping", microbiological indicators were analysed in the Ryazan Regional Veterinary Laboratory corresponding to the requirements of GOST ISO/EC 17025-2019. The results of the studies showed the presence of KMAFAnM group bacteria, molds and yeast in the raw freshly harvested and frozen pollen lining. The presence of this microflora in bee pollen indicates problems associated with the collection and transportation of the product, as well as violation of sanitary and hygienic requirements. Bee pollen dried in a thermostat with forced ventilation and under vacuum can be considered a safe product, since the level of presence of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms meets the requirements of the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union "On food safety", and yeast and mold are absent. It confirms the suitability of the studied product for human consumption.