Investigation on hygienic-sanitary quality of almond paste produced in Sicily

The survey has been performed on 30 samples, obtained at retail stores, rep resentatives of 7 brands produced in industrial plants and of 2 brands home -made. For each sample quantitative and qualitative microbial analyses were performed. Extraneous materials have been detected by filth-test. Results showed high levels of total microflora contamination (bacteria, mold and ye ast) in home-made samples, with total coliforms over the suggested limits a nd Escherichia coli in one of them; Bacillus cereus and group D enterococci have been detected in 3 samples, whereas Staphylococcus aureus was not fou nd in any sample. Out of the total microbial population different genera of bacteria, belonging to Enterobacteriaceae, Micrococcaceae and Bacillaceae families have been characterized and, among fungi, mainly yeasts and one As pergillus mould have been detected. Extraneous materials were mainly insect s fragments (46.67% out of the total): fragments of beetles, moth and ants have been collected. Mites have been found only in 3 samples. Synthetic fib ers have been also detected on 46.67% out of the total. Results are indicat ive of a satisfactory hygienic-sanitary quality of almond paste, especially the one produced at industrial level, but they reveal microbiological and/ or biological risks that could result in a potential hazard.