Honey Detectives in Action

Honey authenticity can be tested by isotopic analysis. Honey is still on the list of the most adulterated foods. Adulteration can be done by mislabeling the geographical origin, by direct addition of sugars to honey, and feeding bees sugar syrup. Fortunately, a number of methods to detect fraudulent honey is available on the market. A method based on EIM-IRMS Ethanol Isotope Measurement showed to be an efficient way to detect added C3 and C4 sugars, for example from sugar beet. The research and analysis involved a number of companies and institutions.

Learn more about honey fraud in our Food Fraud Database.


Image credit: Susanne Kuehne

Posted on 5 January 2021