The composition and microbial quality of pre‐packed dates purchased in Greater Glasgow

Abstract

Composition and microbiological contamination was measured in samples of pre-packed dates purchased from a number of stores and retail outlets in Greater Glasgow. The sugar content of dried pitted dates was c. 74%, about 10% more than reported on those packs where nutritional information was given. Potentially pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus were identified in some of the samples together with lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and moulds, Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Fresh dates were the most heavily contaminated of all samples, probably owing to the high moisture content.

Comparative Study on Five Sudanese Date (<i>Phoenix dactylifera</i> L.) Fruit Cultivars

“…were detected in almost all the examined date cultivars. Moulds and yeast The results of the present study are in compatibility with those of Aidoo, et al [20] who reported that pre-packed dates purchased in Glasgow contained high levels of coliform, moulds and yeasts and little or very low levels of Staphylococcus aureus. Moisture content is a critical parameter responsible for the microbiological quality of the dates.…”

Physico-chemical characteristics and sensory quality of two date varieties under commercial and industrial storage conditions

“…Protein and ash contents were not affected by storage conditions (Table 3). However, a noticeable difference was observed in protein content between the two varieties, which could be due to varietal and origin differences as reported by Aidoo, Tester, Morrison, and MacFarlane (1996).…”

Optimization of Corynebacterium glutamicum Glutamic Acid Production by Response Surface Methodology

“…The moisture content was determined by the method described by Shukur (1983). Protein (N×6.25) was determined according to the previous reported method (Aidoo et al 1996). Total lipid and ash contents were obtained by the method given in AOAC (2000).…”