Changes in microbiological and physicochemical properties of bee pollen by application of gamma irradiation and ozone treatment.

The effects of gamma irradiation and ozone treatment on microbiological and physicochemical properties of bee pollen were investigated. Gamma irradiation at 7.5 kGy reduced the total microbial loads below detection levels (>10(2) CFU g(-1)), but after ozone treatment of up to 18 ppm for 8 h the total aerobic bacteria were found in concentrations of more than 10(3) CFU g(-1). Physicochemical properties such as amino acid and fatty acid composition, thiobarbituric acid value, mineral content, and pigment were not significantly changed by gamma irradiation, whereas ozone treatment caused significant changes in fatty acid composition, thiobarbituric acid value, and pigment by lipid oxidation and decoloration (P < 0.05).