Honey is reputed to be one of the most highly adulterated food substances and checking for origin is of vital importance. We use stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry and together with pollen analysis to allow us to confirm consistency with the stated origin.
Adulteration with High Frusctose Corn Syrup (HFCS) or sugars is an increasing problem in honey and using stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry, we can detect if sugar / syrup has been added directly to the honey to dilute it or even if it has been fed to bees (rather than honey made from foraged nectar). We test to ensure C4 sugars are below the recognised permitted threshold.
We can detect the heather fingerprint in heather honey and work with a pollen specialist to identify pollen in the honey which can be used to support origin or forage origin claims. Another useful tool to have in detecting honey fraud which is asignificant risk.
Working in conjunction with partner laboratories, we can identify pesticide and veterinary residues in honey as well as testing for heavy metals in honey samples to complete the suite of honey testing capability.
