Pathogenic Bacterial Communities Isolated and Identified in Stingless Bee (Kelulut) Honey from Selected Farms in Terengganu

In Malaysia, stingless bees can be categorised into two genera: Melipona and Trigona, known as “kelulut”. The high demand for kelulut honey boosts the production of industry. Previous studies reported that bee (kelulut) its products were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria during harvesting processing. This research aims to isolate identify in honey. Forty-eight samples (open closed pot) propolis obtained from selected farms Terengganu by focusing on a major species available Heterotrigona itama. addition, swabbing technique was done wooden beehive evaluate environmental contamination. isolated using specifically agar, such Bacillus cereus agar (for B. cereus), Baird-Parker Staphylococcus aureus), MacConkey other bacteria), which confirmed through biochemical test. All analysed, results showed (7/48), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10/48), Pantoea spp. (11/48), Serratia plymuthica (6/48), S. aureus (9/48) samples. study indicates cereus, P. aeruginosa, spp., plymuthica, aureus. Isolated may exist food handlers, utensils, environment. Hence, stakeholders should strictly follow good standard operating procedures guidelines industry prevent foodborne illness.