Microbial quality, physicochemical characteristics, proximate analysis, and antimicrobial activities of honey from Anfilo district

Abstract

The physicochemical properties of honey depend on the type of plants used by honeybees during its preparation. The objectives of this study were to assess microbiological quality, physicochemical properties, proximate composition, and antimicrobial activities of honey. A total of twelve honey samples (three each from Koli, Shebel, Yali, and Yati sites) were collected from Anfilo district, Southwest Ethiopia. The mean microbial counts of all honey samples were below 4 Log CFU/g. Honey from the Yali site has recorded the lowest pH value (3.73 ± 0.04), the highest mean electric conductivities (0.89 ± 0.02 mS/cm), and ash content (0.64 ± 0.02 g/100 g). There were perfect positive correlation (r = 1.000, P < 0.01) between total solid content and water-soluble solid. Moreover, ash content showed a highly significant positive correlation with electric conductivity (r = 0.992, P < 0.01). Potassium contents of samples (mg/kg) ranged from 1121.67 ± 12.53 - 1259.33 ± 22.30 followed by calcium (93.33 ± 7.51 - 156.33 ± 9.45). Even though the concentration varies, honey from all sites inhibited the growth of all reference pathogens. Hence, honey is a good source of nutrients and has antimicrobial activities against foodborne pathogens. Further evaluation of honey as a nutritious therapeutic substance for the control of foodborne diseases is recommendable.