RESUMEN
In this study, 70 samples representing 14 different talcum powder products produced by seven different local companies in Egypt were examined. The moisture content ranged between 0.04 and 2.41%. Only three products were found to be free from viable microorganisms, thus expecting their previous efficient sterilization and the total bacterial count in the other 11 products ranged between 200 and 990 CFU/g and total fungi ranged between 20 and 600 CFU/g. Staphylococcus aureus was detected in three products and Clostridium perfringens in 50% of the examined products. All samples were free from Streptococcus pyogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The dominant fungi were related to genus Aspergillus, especially A. flavus. A. parasiticus, A. niger, A. terreus, A. versicolor, A. fumigatus and A. oryzae were also isolated from some samples. A dose level of 7.5 kGy of gamma irradiation completely sterilized the tested products, while 6 kGy was found to be quiet sufficient to eliminate S. aureus, Candida albicans, Paecilomyces variotii and Aspergillus flavus artificially contaminated radiosterile talcum powder samples