Microbial Decontamination of Honey of Indian Origin Using Gamma Radiation and Its Biochemical and Organoleptic Properties

Abstract

Gamma radiation is known to inactivate microorganisms in various foods and thus ensures their microbial safety. In the present study, process parameters were standardized for achieving microbial decontamination of honey of Indian origin. Study was also carried out to examine the effect of gamma radiation treatment on the biochemical, antioxidant, antibacterial, and organoleptic attributes of the honey. A 15 kGy dose of gamma radiation was found to be sufficient for complete microbial decontamination of honey including spores, thus improving its microbial safety without affecting the quality attributes.

Jujube Honey from China: Physicochemical Characteristics and Mineral Contents

“…The protein content (mg/kg of honey) in the jujube honeys ranged from 911.3 to 1995.4 mg/kg (Table ), which was determined using BSA as standard (R 2 = 0.9957). The protein content in jujube honeys was comparable to that found in Indian honeys where it varied from 480 to 2293 mg/kg (Saxena and others ). The protein content in honeys can be attributed to the presence of enzymes, some of which are introduced by bees themselves, and others are thought to be derived from the nectar.…”

Characterization and Classification of Several Monofloral Iranian Honeys Based on Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activity

“…This can lead to compositional changes owing to caramelization of carbohydrates, Maillard reaction, and the decomposition of fructose in the acidic environment of honey. [27] Decomposition of fructose occurs at high temperatures while Maillard reaction is accelerated at low temperatures. [8] …”

Effect of radiation hygienization of honey on its health protective properties

“…In our earlier findings gamma irradiation (15 kGy) resulted in complete microbial decontamination of honey while retaining its physical and biochemical properties (Saxena et al, 2010a). In another study too medical grade honey was sterilized by radiation treatment (Postmes, van den Bogaard, & Hazen, 1995 various qualities of honey such as rheology, color, antibacterial and antioxidant activities have been reported elsewhere (Molan & Allen, 1996;Matsuda & Sabato, 2004;Saxena et al, 2010a). High-temperature treatment of honey for microbial decontamination is generally not accepted due to the possible loss of thermolabile bioactive components such as naturally occurring enzymes like diastase, and increase in the hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content (Tosi, Martinet, Ortega, Lucero, & Ré, 2008;Kowalski, 2013).…”

“…Hence, consumption of unhygienized honey is not recommended for infants below 1 year and adults with weak immunity (Saxena, Gautam, & Sharma, 2010a;Tanzi & Gabay, 2002). In our earlier findings gamma irradiation (15 kGy) resulted in complete microbial decontamination of honey while retaining its physical and biochemical properties (Saxena et al, 2010a). In another study too medical grade honey was sterilized by radiation treatment (Postmes, van den Bogaard, & Hazen, 1995 various qualities of honey such as rheology, color, antibacterial and antioxidant activities have been reported elsewhere (Molan & Allen, 1996;Matsuda & Sabato, 2004;Saxena et al, 2010a).…”

“…Microbial spores may produce enterotoxins responsible for various diseases including gastro-intestinal disorders (Kotiranta, Lounatmaa, & Haapasalo, 2000;Carlin, 2011;Thwaites, 2014). Hence, consumption of unhygienized honey is not recommended for infants below 1 year and adults with weak immunity (Saxena, Gautam, & Sharma, 2010a;Tanzi & Gabay, 2002). In our earlier findings gamma irradiation (15 kGy) resulted in complete microbial decontamination of honey while retaining its physical and biochemical properties (Saxena et al, 2010a).…”