THE COMPOSITION AND MICROBIAL QUALITY OF PRE-PACKED DATES PURCHASED IN GREATER GLASGOW

Composition and microbiological contamination was measured in samples of pre-packed dates purchased from a number of stores and retail outle ts in Greater Glasgow. The sugar content of dried pitted dates was c. 74%, about 10% more than reported on those packs where nutritional inf ormation was given. Potentially pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia c oli, 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 heav ily contaminated of all samples, probably owing to the high moisture c ontent.