Feeding honey-bee colonies (Apis mellifera carnica Poll.) and detection of honey adulteration

Abstract

Honey is a valued substance that has excellent nutritional value. However, it is a vulnerable product, with the possibility of adulteration at each stage of its production and processing, in terms of direct and indirect adulteration. The objective of this study was to determine whether feeding of honey-bee colonies with honey-bee candy results in honey adulteration. The physicochemical properties of honey samples were determined, and the ability to discriminate between authentic and adulterated honey was studied. The physicochemical properties evaluated were water and hydroxymethylfurfural content, electrical conductivity, pH value, acidity, foreign enzymes, and stable isotopes. Sensory and melissopalynological analysis were also performed on 39 honey samples. β-fructofuranosidase activity, δ13C (honey), difference between the δ13C of the honey and of its protein (i.e. Δδ13C) were identified as the most important to discriminate between authentic and adulterated honey samples. The results of the study indicate that honey-bee feeding practices might have an influence on honey and its adulteration.