We have evaluated the quality of Apis mellifera L. honey depending on the level of use of Good Apicultural Practices (GAP) in Piauí. We used 60 samples of honey produced during the 2009 harvest. The experiment was conducted with three treatments and three levels of GAP and 20 repetitions: Beekeepers using the GAP on a higher level, with bee product extraction unit (BPEU) within the standards required by legislation; Beekeepers that do not use correctly the GAP, with BPEU out of the standards required by legislation, Beekeepers who do not use correctly the GAP, and do not possess BPEU. The samples were analyzed for physic-chemical and microbiological. Differences were observed (except ash) among treatment T1 and the others, the samples remained within the current legislation standards. Coliforms at 37 º C and 45 º C or Salmonella spp. were not observed in the samples. Values higher than 1.0 CFU / g (log 10) of filamentous mold and yeasts were found in 50%, 90% and 80% of the samples as for treatments T1, T2 and T3 respectively. It is concluded the use of GAP is an efficient tool to maintain the physic-chemical and microbiological quality of Apis mellifera L. honey.
manipulation; microbiological quality; moisture; water activity