Assessment of Contaminated Packed and Unpacked Spices (Black-Pepper, Red-Pepper, Sumac, Cinnamon) With Aerobic Spores in Zanjan City

processes develop specific flavor and aroma and color in foods. Microbial contamination of spices, like most of the agricultural products, is quite important regarding the health and hygiene. The aim of this research is to evaluate and assess the microbial status of packed and unpacked spices, in Zanjan city. Total of 80 samples of packed and unpacked spices (black pepper, red pepper, sumac, cinnamon) were collected randomly from the food supplying centers and local retail stores in Zanjan city. Experiments were carried out for the presence of aerobic spores according to the Iranian standards. Average of total aerobic mesophilic spores count based on CFU/g were 1.6×107 for red pepper, 6.6×106 for black pepper, 4.3×104 for cinnamon and 3.5×102 for sumac. Averages of total aerobic mesophilic spore counts for packed and unpacked spices were 3×106 CFU/g and 8.4×106 CFU/g, respectively. The average loads of total aerobic mesophilic spores were highest in red pepper and lowest in sumac. Average of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria count in the red pepper and black pepper as compared to the international standard (ICMSF) were higher. It is therefore recommended to apply disinfection and sterilization methods such as gamma irradiation at the rate of 10 KG to reduce the contamination of the spore forming bacteria in spices, especially the spices that are consumed without undergoing cooking process.