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The biological activity of honey has been the subject of great scientific investigation. Bee products are widely used in folk medicine to treat human diseases due to their antibacterial and inhibitory potential action on different human pathogens. Ten honey samples produced by Apis mellifera in the northern of Minas Gerais state were tested against pathogenic microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus TSST (clinical isolated) and enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli ATCC 43895 for determination of their minimum inhibitory concentrations. The microdilution technique in broth Mueller-Hinton broth (MHB) was used in four concentrations (25, 12.5, 6.25 and 3.125%). There was a reduction of bacterial growth for the two target species at all concentrations tested. The optimal concentration for inhibition of S. aureus and E. coli were 3.125% (w/v). Therefore, the antibacterial activity of the tested samples evidences the potential of Aroeira honey produced in the north of Minas Gerais for therapeutic use, thus contributing to the aggregation value and commercialization of this type of honey.

Coagulase-positive Staphylococci and microbial indicators of the ‘Requeijao do Norte’, a traditional semihard cheese, were surveyed in Brazil. Coagulase-positive Staphylococci were found in quantities of up to 9.4 log cfu/g. The coagulase gene was detected in isolates physiologically classified as coagulase-negative. The SEB and TSST-1 toxins were detected. Salmonella spp. were not detected. High levels of total and fecal coliforms (≥ 210 MPN/g) and moulds (≥ 6.48 log cfu/g) were found in most samples. The values of physical–chemical parameters and water activity showed the greatest variations. These results suggest a possible risk that this cheese may pose to consumers.

The effect of the incorporation of globin (10%), plasma (10%) and both combined (5% each) as fat replacers on the quality of ham paté was investigated. The chemical composition, the sensorial analysis (color, flavor and consistency) and the instrumental analysis of the texture (hardness, adhesiveness, elasticity, cohesiveness and tackiness) were evaluated. The results showed an increase of moisture and protein contents after the fat replacement, while the fat reduction of 25-35% led to the preparation of light products. No change was observed for the aroma, taste and the consistency of fat replacing products, but an intensification of the cohesivity and a reduction of color, hardness and tackiness were detected in some samples.