Fundamentos técnico-científicos para elaboração de regulamento estadual de certificação do mel de abelhas sem ferrão do Maranhão

Abstract

Stingless bee honey has increasing socioeconomic and commercial relevance, especially in regions where meliponiculture is traditional, such as Maranhão. However, the lack of specific regulations for processing this product in the state compromises sanitary certification, quality standardization, and market competitiveness. With the aim of contributing to a draft state technical regulation on identity and quality for stingless bee honey, this study characterized the physicochemical, microbiological, and melissopalynological parameters of 15 samples from the five mesoregions of Maranhão and conducted a systematic review on the subject. The analyses included indicators of maturity, purity, deterioration, and microbiological quality, compared to limits established in regulatory standards of other Brazilian states. The results revealed conformity in the parameters of maturity and purity, with adequate levels of moisture, water activity, reducing sugars, diastase, ash, and insoluble solids, in addition to the consistent presence of pollen grains associated with regional flowerings. On the other hand, non- conformities were observed in the deterioration indicators, especially in the hydroxymethylfurfural values, in addition to punctual deviations in pH, free acidity, and mold and yeast counts, suggesting the influence of environmental conditions and processing practices. The findings provide a technical basis for establishing physicochemical and microbiological limits compatible with the productive reality of Maranhão. The proposed draft contributes to the standardization