Evaluation of Microbial Quality of Traditional Sweets, Zoolbia and Bamieh, During Ramadan in Mashhad, Iran

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial quality of traditional sweets, Zoolbia and Bamieh made in the confectioneries of the Mashhad during the holy month of Ramadan. Materials and Methods:  This study was a cross-sectional study. Seventy five samples  of traditional sweets, Zoolbia and Bamieh were collected randomly from confectionaries  of Mashhad during Ramadan month in 2018. Microbial quality tests including mold and yeast, E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae and S. aureus enumeration and Salmonella isolation were performed. Results: Of the total samples tested 22.6% ‏of the samples were within the specified limit of the standard. The contamination rate of mold and yeast was 13.3%, Salmonella 6.6%, Enterobacteriaceae 13.3%, E.coli  16% and S. aureus  28%. The highest level of contamination was related to S.aureus and the lowest level related to Salmonella. Conclusion: The results showed that the contamination rate of Zoolbia and Bamieh is high and significant, therefore, given the high percentage of contamination of samples, production and distribution practices as well as the workers hygiene must be under more control and attention. The existence of vulnerable groups among consumers adds to the importance of this issue.