Studies have shown that natural compounds such as bee honey and indian neem oil (Azadirachta indica) promote important antimicrobial activity in different contexts. However, research investigating the sanitizing power of these compounds, alone or in combination, in establishments producing and processing animal products (EPPAP) is scarce in the literature. This study aims to evaluate the ability of a natural sanitizer based on honey and neem to eliminate microorganisms in EPPAP, with a focus on eliminating microbial biofilms. The sanitizing power of honey and neem was analyzed in ambient air and on bench surfaces in EPPAP. Under laboratory conditions, the antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out on compact dry plates according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The sanitizing power of honey in inhibiting biofilm formation was then analyzed using stainless steel coupons. In the plate sedimentation tests, there was no growth of total bacteria, Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus in the groups treated with the honey solution diluted 1:2. The sanitizing action of neem proved to be effective against S. aureus bacteria. The combined action of honey and neem proved effective against the bacteria analyzed. On bench surfaces in dairies, the combined solution of honey and neem was significantly more effective than the saline solution and performed similarly to the 70% alcohol solution. Under laboratory conditions, the honey solution proved to be effective against the bacteria E. coli, Salmonella sp. and S. aureus, reducing the bacterial count by at least 2 logs compared to the control group for E. coli, reaching a reduction of 7 logs for Salmonella and 3 logs for S. aureus. The honey solution inhibited the biofilm production of E. coli and Salmonella. However, there was no significant difference in the effect of honey on S. aureus biofilms. In addition, honey was able to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and hinder biofilm formation by this yeast. The results show the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of honey, which makes it a promising product for formulating natural sanitizers to be used in EPPAP. A natural solution based on honey and neem can be effective in the sanitization process in EPPAP.

 

Key words: Natural products, quality control, animal products, alternative sanitization.