الفهرس 
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to give complete profile of the quality and safety characteristics of Egyptian honey produced in six Governorates (Kafr El-Sheikh, Al Behira, Monufia, Qena, Alexandria and Dakahlia) during 2016 - 2017 by investigating their physicochemical properties, levels of pesticide residues, as well as levels of heavy metal contaminants. In this study, the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the Egyptian honey samples were tested against several common human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. In addition, the present study reports results of detailed melissopalynological qualitative analyses of Egyptian honey. The types of pollen grains in the rectum of honey bee workers collected from different apiaries were determined. VI.1. Physicochemical characteristics of honey samples Physiochemical parameters analyzed included sucrose, moisture and protein contents, pH, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and total soluble solids (TSS). The obtained values of respective parameters were compared with codex standard and recommendation of Codex Standard for Honey Alimentarius Commission (2001). VI.1.1. Sucrose content There was significant difference (P < 0.0001) in sucrose content between different honeys samples. Sucrose ratio ranged between 0.2±0.04 percent in Cedrus honey collected from Qena, Governorate and 74±1.32% in artificial honey. Percentages of sucrose content detected were all within the recommended percentage of sucrose in honey except in artificial, sunflower honey collected from Abu El Matamir, Al Behira, Governorate and cotton honeys obtained from Desouk city, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. VI.1.2. Moisture content The highest moisture content (33±1.15% g/100g) was found in artificial honey, as expected, while the lowest moisture content (19±0.5 % g/100g) was in sunflower and cotton honeys. Only in artificial , citrus ( Nubaria city, Al Behira, Governorate) clover (Aga city, Dakahlia Governorate) and Brazilian pepper (Agricultural research center, Alexandria Governorate) honeys, moisture content exceeded the permissible range for honey . VI.1.3. pH value The highest pH value (3.6±0.05%) was detected in artificial honey while the lowest value (4.8±0.1%) was found in cotton honey collected from Desouk city; Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, all other honey samples were within the permissible limit (3.4 -6.10%) recommended in honey. VI.1.4. Total soluble solid contents (TSS) The content of TSS ranged from 67±1 to 81±2% (g/100 g) which was within the accepted percentage of solid materials in honey except for cotton and sunflower honeys. The highest TSS content (81±2% g/100g) was found in sunflower honey while the lowest TSS content (67±1% g/100g) was reported in artificial honey. VI.1.5. Protein content VI.1.6. Hydroxy methyl furfural (HMF) The content of HMF in different honeys studied ranged from 1.6±0.7 to 98.6±1.2 mg/kg. The highest and lowest concentrations of HMF (98.6±1.21 and 1.6±0.72) were detected in banana honey collected from Sadat city, Monufia Governorate and Cedrus honey honeys, respectively. The levels of HMF detected were below the standard limit of HMF in honey except in banana honey. VI.2. Antimicrobial activity of honey All honey samples except artificial honey, exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. typhimurium. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in antibacterial activities of different honeys against S. typhimurium have been noticed. While significant difference (P < 0.05) in growth inhibition activity against P. areuginosa was detected only in Brazilian pepper, sunflower and Cedrus honeys. Brazilian pepper and Cedrus honeys were the only honeys that showed growth inhibition against S. aureus bacteria. The growth of B. cereus bacteria was only inhibited by Brazilian pepper honey. None of the honeys tested showed any antifungal activity against C. typhimurium and A. niger.