What is the most effective method for reducing the microbial load in date paste?

Date paste's high moisture and sugar content, which nourishes microorganisms such as bacteria and molds, makes it susceptible to microbial contamination. These conditions are inherent to its composition and processing methods (Zamir et al., 2018, Muñoz-Tebar et al., 2023). Ensuring low microbial load in date paste is crucial for safety, compliance, and quality (Zamir et al., 2018). Contamination can cause illnesses, alter taste, and shorten shelf life, affecting consumer satisfaction and market competitiveness (Muñoz-Tebar et al., 2023). Therefore, implementing adequate microbial control strategies, such as optimized processing, hygiene protocols, controlled storage and effective microbial load reduction strategies, is vital for safety, quality, and market acceptance.