Aloe supplements in focus: integrating quality management and risk control for microbiological safety

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess the microbiological safety of aloe-based dietary supplements available on the Polish market. The study investigates how the form of the aloe supplement (juice vs. capsules) and the storage time affect microbial contamination levels, emphasizing the importance of quality management and risk management in ensuring the safety of plant-based supplements. Design/methodology/approach: The study focused on assessing the microbiological stability of 68 aloe-based dietary supplements, including Aloe vera juice and gel-shell capsules, at two key time points: immediately after opening (time 0) and at the final storage period (time K). Microbiological analysis included testing for the presence of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeasts, molds, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, alongside an evaluation of the active acidity and microbiological stability in the juice preparations. The research methodology emphasized a comprehensive laboratory-based approach to evaluate the impact of the supplement form (juice vs. capsules) and storage duration on microbial contamination. By focusing on the end-user stages, the study indirectly addressed risk management by identifying potential contamination risks linked to product form and storage. Additionally, quality management principles were applied through the systematic assessment of supplements' compliance with microbiological safety standards. Findings: The study found that S. aureus and E. coli were absent in all samples, with 18% of the samples free from any microbial contamination. Aloe capsules were more prone to fungal contamination compared to juices. Juices demonstrated greater microbiological stability, with approximately 19% stability compared to around 11% for capsules. These findings underscore the importance of rigorous quality control to ensure the microbiological safety of aloe supplements and highlight the need for ongoing post-market monitoring to mitigate potential health risks. Research limitations/implications: The study focused specifically on aloe supplements from the Polish market, which may limit its generalizability to other types of plant-based supplements. Future research could broaden the scope to include other popular plant supplements, such as young barley, to compare microbiological stability and safety across different categories of plant-based products. This would provide a more comprehensive view of potential risks and quality control measures needed for various supplements. Practical implications: The research underscores the need for enhanced quality control measures during the production, storage, and distribution of aloe supplements. Manufacturers should implement risk management strategies to reduce contamination risks, particularly in capsule-based products, and improve hygiene practices to meet safety standards. These findings could influence regulatory policies and encourage more rigorous post-market surveillance of dietary supplements. Social implications: The study highlights the potential risks associated with the uncontrolled consumption of plant-based supplements and emphasizes the importance of ensuring their safety. The findings can contribute to promoting more responsible supplement use and may encourage stricter regulatory frameworks, ultimately improving public health and enhancing consumer protection. Originality/value: This study provides new insights into the microbiological safety of aloe¬based dietary supplements available on the Polish market. It contributes to the fields of quality management and risk management in dietary supplements by offering valuable information for manufacturers, regulators, and health professionals. Additionally, the findings are relevant for consumers, as they highlight the importance of product safety and informed usage.