Bee-pollen retailed in Tuscany (Italy): Labelling, palynological, microbiological, and mycotoxicological profile

Abstract Bee pollen is the result of flower pollen collecting and processing by honey bees. Due to its nutritional profile, it is considered a functional food. The present work aimed at evaluating labelling, pH, Aw, microbiological and mycotoxicological profile of 29 bee pollen samples (dried and fresh) purchased at retail in Tuscany (Italy). Only one pollen lacked more than two mandatory indications. Aw ranged from 0.19 to 0.77, while pH from 4.50 to 6.10. Fresh samples presented higher bacterial loads than dried samples. Total bacterial counts, Enterobacteriaceae, yeasts and molds and lactic acid bacteria ranges were 2.2-6.0,