MICROBIOLOGICAL

AGENTES IN CORBICULAR POLLEN AT HIGH LANDS MOUNTAINS IN BOYACA COLOMBIA

Salamanca, G. G.; Osorio, T. M.P.; Tapiero, C. L; Henao, R. C.; Ferro, E . Grupo de Investigaciones Mellitopalinolgicas y Propiedades Fisicoqumicas de Alimentos. Faculta de Ciencias Departamento de Qumica Universidad del Tolima. Email: salamancagrosso@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
The aims of this study were to assess in wet and dry pollen the incidence and effect on the growth of microbiological agents, through systematic classifications and selective tinsion. Anaerobic agents are dependen on environment and harvest procedures. Molds (40-40000 cfu/ g) and yeasts (40-50000 cfu/g) are usual. These values suggest the implementation of a regular program for pollen collection from colonys at wetland areas and procedures for reduction of water activity by drying. Pathogens were not identified.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In bee pollen harvesting at the appropriate time and storing the harvested products under controlled conditions will help retard growth of post-harvest spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. Humid and warm storage conditions encourage the growth of microbial contaminants. The use of additional post-harvest procedures could reduce the contamination. HACCP and BPM procedures are mandatory.

INTRODUC TION
Honeybee collected pollen, a traditional product of beekeeping, is used as an ingredient in diet cooking and is thought to be a source of physiologically active elements. In Colombia commercial production of biologically active food supplements based on honeybee pollen has recently been growing. With physiological value of pollen having been studied well enough, scientists have limited access to publications on hygienic aspects of pollen which would involve microbiological analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five (35) samples of corbicular bee pollen were collected

in Boyac ( 5 4767722N; 6 0362N; 72 4449W; 73 11 17W). Paipa, Tutaza; Paz del Rio and Sotaquir. 2213 3100 O.V.L; 14 to 23C. Pluviometric level 600- 900 mm/year. R.H. 29 to 46% (December/February). Microbiological analisis: Aerobic mesophiles. Mould and yeast. Coliforms. E. coli (Coagulase positive) and S. aureus.

Water Activity Affects the behavior of total aerobic mesofiles, yeasts and molds by growth sporulation and toxin production. Temperature, pH and nutrient availability also have incidence in microbiological spoligage and stability of pollen. A. flavus, A.ochraceus, A. niger, A. clavatus, Penicillium spp, Fusarium spp. A. parasiticus and mucor, are responsible for loss of the quality of pollen.

CONCLUSIONS
The lack of robust traceability and weaknesses in reporting systems for outbreaks limits any comprehensive evaluation of the role of bee pollen as a source of foodborne infection. Implementation of a regular program for pollen collection from colonys at wetland areas and procedures for reduction of water activity by drying is usefull. Pathogens were not identified. Our work is a contribution to the pollen knowledge and food safety and control.

Decimal solutions technique was applied. Conditions for incubating enriched selective media allowed the growth and development of microbiological culture that were then used in the identification of molds and yeasts by use of taxonomic keys.