Gamma irradiation effect on the microbial load and physicochemical properties of honey from Ghana

Abstract. Larbi DA, Klutse CK, Adotey DK. 2022. Gamma irradiation effect on the microbial load and physicochemical properties of honey from Ghana. Cell Biol Dev 6: 94-107. The honey's high sugar concentration low pH give it antimicrobial make difficult for microorganisms to grow. This study is ascertain microorganisms' presence in Ghanaian honey, sources contamination, physico-chemical gamma radiation load. Furthermore, 90 samples were collected Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, Greater Accra, Ghana, with 30 each region. Honey was sampled directly beehive comb before farmer harvested, retailers who buy farmer. studied using a 60Co source facility at doses 20 kGy, 40 kGy microbes (pH, reducing sugar, apparent sucrose, ash content) honey. values obtained Comb range 3.6-3.9, Retail 4.9-5.6. Microorganisms not detected about 70% honeycomb. mean count remaining 30% within 30-35%, whereas all contaminated microbes. counts retailer 148 CFU/g, 183 271 CFU/g Accra Regions, respectively. These significantly higher than required maximum relative MERCOSUR (Mercado Comun del SUR) standard (? 100 CFU/g). level detection (30-35 CFU/g) could be due their relatively levels (3.6-3.9) compared content analyzed standard, an average 0.16% honeycomb 0.62% retail samples. sucrose (in percentage) 22-33%, which beyond as stipulated by CODEX Alimentarius Commission 10%). showed that dose enough denature preserve essential qualities. Finally, ensure good quality market, recommended meant human consumption should undergo (cold pasteurization).