Honey Samples Research Articles

Single Laboratory Validation of Four Methods for Quantification of HMF in Honey

Hydroxymethylfurfural or 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furaldehyde (HMF) has been absent or found in honey naturally at very low amount. It is formed in honey mainly by heating process and improper storage conditions. HMF has been reported to have cytotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic effects and thus regulatory agencies in many countries impose restrictions on its maximum levels in honey. Validated methods have been required for effective and specific detection and quantification of HMF in food samples. In this study, a single laboratory validation study was conducted on four quantification methods: direct spectral analysis, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis, Seliwanoff and Winkler methods. All methods showed linearity with the lowest R2 value of 0.992. Two method performance parameters, accuracy, and precision were satisfied by each four methods with recovery values at 98.2%, 100.2%, 102.5% and 103.3% and RSDr (relative standard deviation) % values at 6.97%, 6.19%, 2.87% and 0.90% for spectral analysis, Seliwanoff, HPLC and Winkler methods, respectively. Based on the measurement uncertainties of four quantification methods, honey samples spiked with HMF at the final concentration of 0.004mg/0.1g were reported as 0.004 mg/0.1g ± 0.00025 mg/0.1g by spectral analysis, 0.0036 mg/0.1g ± 0.000691 mg/0.1g by Seliwanoff method, 0.004 mg/0.1g ± 0.00045 mg/0.1g by HPLC and 0.0039 mg/0.1g ± 0.00022 mg/0.1g by Winkler methods (k=2, confidence level of 95%). The validated methods can quantify HMF in honey with a target concentration of 0.004 mg/0.1g, specifically and accurately.

Metabolomic Profiling (LC–MS2) of Flowers and Bee Honey of Dzidzilche (Gymnopodium floribundum Rolfe) and Jabin (Piscidia piscipula L. Sarg.) from Yucatán, México

Yucatan, Mexico, is renowned for its rich plant diversity, with ~40% melliferous plants. Yucatan bee honey (BH) constitutes ~15.83% of Mexico’s annual BH production, giving high international value. Major melliferous families in Yucatan include Fabaceae, with Piscidia piscipula (“Jabin”) as an example, and Polygonaceae, with Gymnopodium floribundum (“Dzidzilche”), crucial for BH production. This study aimed to profile the metabolome of Jabin and Dzidzilche flowers and their associated BH to identify metabolites for each flower coming from two regions (Tahdziu and Acanceh) of Yucatán. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS2), total polyphenol content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (AC) were implemented. As many as 101 metabolites (69 in flowers, 55 in BH) were tentatively identified using spectral libraries and in silico predictions, predominantly flavonoids, which accounted for 50.7% of the total identified metabolites in flower and 16.4% in BH. Samples exhibited variations in TPC, AC, secondary metabolites, and chemical classes depending on geography and botanical origin. Dzidzilche flowers from Acanceh displayed the highest total polyphenol content (TPC, 1431.24 ± 15.38 mg GAE/100 g dry matter) and antioxidant capacity (AC, 93.63% inhibition). Among the metabolites detected in flowers (Piscidia piscipula, Gymnopodium floribundum), 50.7% were found to be part of the flavonoid chemical class, whereas in their respective honey samples, only 16.4% of the identified metabolites were categorized as flavonoids. Vanillin and vitexin were tentatively identified as potential markers for the botanical origin identification of honey from Piscidia piscipula and Gymnopodium floribundum, respectively. Recognizing botanical and geographic BH origin is important for product authentication, identification, and traceability. This study offers chemical insights that can be valuable and complementary to melissopalynology, aiding in determining the origin and quality of Yucatan BH.

A guide for quality control of honey: Application of UV–vis scanning spectrophotometry and NIR spectroscopy for determination of chemical profiles of floral honey produced in southern Brazil

This study aimed to determine the chemical profile of floral honey by ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry (UV–vis) and near-infrared (NIR) vibrational spectroscopy, and via analysis of the total phenolic content, considering the harvest year (2018–2019 and 2019–2020), geographic and botanical origins, and seasonality of samples (n = 116) collected in southern Brazil. The total phenolic content (TPC) of honey showed great variation by geographic origin and for both harvests, with a higher overall average in the 2019–2020 (3.81–7.22 mg/mL) compared to the 2018–2019 (2.49–6.17 mg/mL), which seemed to be related to climatic factors, mainly precipitation. The visual inspection of the UV–vis spectra (280–320 nm) revealed two samples with distinct chemical compositions, being these further confirmed as outlier by PCA. UV–vis (260–360 nm) coupled to PCA was able to distinguish honey with higher and lower TPC. The NIR spectral data set revealed discrepancies among honey according to the harvest seasons, with bands associated with higher water content and lower carbohydrate amounts in the 2018–2019-collected samples; the contrary has been noted for the 2019–2020. Thus, UV–vis and NIR spectroscopies coupled to PCA proved to be a useful approach to distinguish honey samples as to possible adulterations and geographic origin associated with their higher and lower phenolic contents.

Determination of HMF Value and Diastase Activities in Strained Honeys Sold in Markets

This study aimed to determine HMF values and diastase activities of the strained honeys collected from various markets in Türkiye and to evaluate their suitability to Turkish Food Codex, Directive on Honey. The samples were obtained with original package and their shelf lifes were remarked by companies. A total of 90 honey samples, 45 were flower honey and 45 were honeydew honey, were analysed for HMF using High Performance Liquid Chromatography and for diastase activity using UV spectrophotometer. According to the results, it was observed that the 35.5% of flower honey samples and the 20% of honeydew honey samples were not fulfilled the HMF value and/or diastase activity standards of the Turkish Food Codex. The highest HMF value of the samples was 119.8 mg/kg, while the lowest diastase activity of samples was 0.9. Furthermore, 15 of 45 flower honey and 8 of 45 honeydew honey samples were in critical limits for the mentioned standards. In conclusion, in strained honey offered for consumption, either heat treatment that is applied during the production or increasing HMF value and decreasing diastase activity depending on storage temperature limit the product's shelf life. HMF in honey is known to be a potential risk for food safety and public health. Appropriate production and storage conditions for honey should be ensured until it reaches the consumer, and all quality criteria, especially HMF and diastase, should be targeted to comply with the Turkish Food Codex Directive on Honey, until the end of the shelf life. Thus, it will be possible to ensure food safety by protecting both public health and producer rights. In addition, raising consumers' awareness on the subject will enable the development of internal control at both manufacturers and markets.

A novel approach of flow system with a 3D-printed Direct Injector Detector for electrochemical determination of cadmium and lead

A simple approach based on a flow system equipped with a novel 3D-printed Direct Injection Detector (DID), first time working in an electrochemical mode, is proposed to simultaneously determine cadmium and lead cations in water and food samples. The use of flow DID combined with electrochemical detection for the first time allowed to significantly reduce the volume of dosed reagents and waste generation and increase the automation of the determination, which perfectly fits into the principles of “Green Analytical Chemistry”. For voltammetric detection, the screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) modified with carbonized halloysite (C_Hal) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used (MWCNTs/C_Hal/Nafion/SPCE). The tested sensor exhibited linear response in concentration ranges: 15 – 3000 nmol L–1. The limits of detection were estimated as LODCd = 4.30 nmol L–1 (0.48 ng mL−1) and LODPb = 0.97 nmol L–1 (0.20 ng mL−1). Thus, the use of DID, as well as the Signal Increment Standard Addition Method, allowed to determine the cadmium and lead in tap, well, mineral waters and also in honey and rice samples with a recovery in the range of 95–103% and with a precision error of less than 7%.

Honey fraud detection based on sugar syrup adulterations by HPLC-UV fingerprinting and chemometrics

In recent years, honey-producing sector has faced the increasing presence of adulterated honeys, implying great economic losses and questioning the quality of this highly appreciated product by the society. Due to the high sugar content of honey, sugar syrups are among its most common adulterants, being also the most difficult to detect even with isotope ratio techniques depending on the origin of the sugar syrup plant source. In this work, a honey authentication method based on HPLC-UV fingerprinting was developed, exhibiting a 100% classification rate of honey samples against a great variety of sugar syrups (agave, corn, fiber, maple, rice, sugar cane and glucose) by partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). In addition, the detection and level quantitation of adulteration using syrups as adulterants (down to 15%) was accomplished by partial least squares (PLS) regression with low prediction errors by both internal and external validation (values below 12.8% and 19.7%, respectively).

Determination of Antimicrobial Properties of Raw and Commercial Honey against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Background: In contrast to antibiotics, honey has strong antibacterial characteristics, a broad spectrum of action, no side effects, is non-toxic, and has no issues like building resistance. This study aimed to find out the antimicrobial properties of raw and commercial honey against Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and ATCC Staphylococcus aureus. 
 Methodology: Four different types of raw honey were collected from different flowers. Three different commercial honey samples were also collected from nearby grocery shops. Five Staphylococcus aureus samples were cultured in Mueller Hinton agar which was collected from the microbiology laboratory of BIHS General hospital. Then agar well diffusion method was carried out to determine the antimicrobial properties of raw and commercial honey.
 Results: The presence of antimicrobial activity is indicated by the absence of bacterial growth directly below the test sample. From this study we can see an inhibition zone around the honey well. The zone was not clear but from that we get to know that honey can prevent Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and the ATCC strain of it.
 Conclusion: The present investigation shows that bioactive constituents from raw and commercial honey have antimicrobial activity against Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and ATCC Staphylococcus aureus, however, this can be further explored as an alternative anti-staphylococcal agent.

A proof-of-concept study on the versatility of liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry to screen for various contaminants and highlight markers of floral and geographical origin for different honeys

The high-resolution mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical tool for improving food safety and authenticity, but still underused in official control laboratories. The present work is a proof-of-concept study overviewing how liquid-chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry could be used simultaneously for large-scale screening of contaminants and differentiation of honey samples. Within this study, the samples were extracted using all-in-one QuEChERS-based protocol that allowed for analysis of various anthropogenic contaminants and endogenous compounds. First, targeted-analysis of 52 honey samples led to unequivocal identification of 23 chemicals, including neonicotinoids, triazole fungicides and synergist. Then, suspect-screening using MSDial software allowed for tentative identification of 30 chemicals including plasticizers, flame-retardants and additives. Suspect-screening also made it possible to highlight tentative markers of chestnut honey (deoxyvasicinone, 2-quinolone, indoleacrylic acid and kynurenic acid) and citrus honey (caffeine, 2-oxindole and indole-3-carbinol). Lastly, non-targeted analysis enabled to separate honeys by their type, floral and geographical origins.

Electrodeposited histidine-(CuCr)layered double hydroxides/carbon dots for in-tube solid-phase microextraction of chlorophenols from water, juice, and honey samples followed by HPLC-UV

A novel adsorbent consisting of a composition of carbon dots and CuCr-layered double hydroxides intercalated with l-histidine (C-dots@His/LDHs) was introduced. This adsorbent was electrochemically deposited on the inner surface of a capillary copper tube. It was used as an adsorbent for in-tube solid-phase microextraction of chlorophenols (CPs). Separation and measurement of CPs were done by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detector. The main parameters which had the most impact on the extraction efficiency and time such as extraction time and flow rate, desorption time and flow rate, ionic strength (salt concentration) and pH were optimized. Calibration curves (0.5–1000 μg L−1) were plotted in real sample (tap water) under optimal conditions which coefficients of determination better than 0.9893 and relative recoveries in the range of 88–120 % were obtained. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) and limits of quantification (S/N = 10) were obtained in the range of 0.1–1.0 μg L−1 and 0.3–3.0 μg L−1, respectively. The intra- and inter-assay precisions (RSD%, n = 3) were better than 5.9 and 8.8 %, respectively.

Discrimination of honeys produced by Tanzanian stingless bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini) based on physicochemical properties and sugar profiles

Honey composition vary according to floral origin and bee species from which it is produced. Understanding the composition of honey is essential for guaranteeing its quality and authenticity, and revealing its potential benefits. Studies on honeys produced by Afrotropical stingless bees are scarce resulting into limited understanding and underutilization. The current study investigated the physicochemical properties and sugar profiles of honeys produced by six stingless bee species (Dactylurina schmidti, Hypotrigona gribodoi, Meliponula beccarii, Meliponula ferruginea, Meliponula togoensis and Plebeina armata) from different vegetation zones of Tanzania. Permutation analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis tests were conducted to assess how bee species and vegetation influenced the studied parameters. Furthermore, we employed principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to discriminate honey samples according to bee species and vegetation zones. Our findings show that honey composition was greatly influenced by the identity of bee species which affected 84.6 % of the studied parameters, compared to vegetation zones which affected only 23.1 % of the studied parameters. Stingless bee honey showed significant variation from the international quality standards established for Apis mellifera honey. Also, the levels of free acidity (32.05–99.95 meq/Kg), ash content (0.09–0.81 % w/w) and reducing sugars (43.79–50.82 g/100 g) in some honey samples deviated from the East African Community standards for stingless bee honey. PCA and LDA revealed that the physicochemical properties and sugar profiles can be used to classify stingless bee honeys according to their bee species origin. We recommend further studies to elucidate essential markers that can be used in identifying the entomological source of stingless bee honey.

Magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes assisted solid phase extraction and detection of neonicotinoid pesticides in honey and tea samples

In this study, magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MMWCNTs) were prepared by a one-pot solvothermal method. And they were used as the adsorbent of magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) to extract NEOs. MMWCNTs exhibit good adsorption performance toward NEOs. The adsorption capacities for imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and acetamiprid are 18.4, 25.9, and 18.4 mg g−1, respectively. Also, the adsorption process takes 20 min. The adsorption isotherm fitted to the Langmuir model and the adsorption kinetics was well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Moreover, the adsorption mechanism was discussed. The MMWCNTs-based MSPE method was combined with field-enhanced sample stacking-capillary electrophoresis (FESS-CE) to realize the sensitive detection of NEOs. The detection limits of NEOs in honey and bottled green tea beverage samples ranged from 7.63 to 16.7 ng g−1. The recoveries were in the range of 84.5 ± 3.2 % to 99.2 ± 1.6 %, with relative standard deviations less than 5.5 %, suggesting the feasibility of the method in actual samples.

Graphene oxide mediated CdSe quantum dots fluorescent aptasensor for high sensitivity detection of fluoroquinolones

In view of the urgent need for fluoroquinolones contamination detection in the fields of food safety, a novel aptasensor based on the fluorescence quenching property of graphene oxide (GO) and the fluorescence characteristic of cadmium selenide quantum dots (CdSe QDs) was developed for fluoroquinolones highly sensitive detection in this work. The CdSe QDs with carboxyl-rich surface were synthesized successfully and fluoresced at 525 nm under the optimal excitation light of 366 nm. Based on the hydrophobic and π-π stacking between GO and aptamer, aptamer labeled by CdSe QDs fluorescence (CdSe QDs-apt) were adsorbed by GO and the fluorescence of CdSe QDs was quenched. After the aptamer combined specifically with fluoroquinolones, greater specific force lead to the desorption of CdSe QDs-apt from GO and fluorescence recovery. Represented by Ciprofloxacin (CIP), a member of fluoroquinolones, the fluorescence emission increased with the increasing of CIP concentrations from 8 nM to 500 nM, and the detection limit was 0.42 nM. The spiked recoveries in real samples of honey and milk were 91.5–96.9 % and 90.3–95.2 %, respectively, indicating that the aptasensor was reliable. Moreover, the fluorescence responses of multiple members of fluoroquinolones were found to be consistent, denoting that the fluorescence aptasensor can be used to detect the total amount of multiple members of fluoroquinolones. These results showed that the aptasensor can be used as a promising platform for fluoroquinolones detection.

Outstanding botanical resources for Plebeia mansita (Apidae, Meliponini) in the Northern Argentine Yungas: botanical characterization of its honey and main nesting substrates

Plebeia mansita is a native stingless bee endemic to the Yungas whose populations are distributed in sectors above 1000 m a.s.l. Its honeys and other products are used by local residents for various purposes, from food to medicinal uses. With the purpose of understanding the botanical resources that contribute nectar and nesting to this species of bee in the town of Baritú (22°28′54.1ʺS, 64°45′39.4ʺW; at 1546 m a.s.l.), we analyzed 41 honey samples collected between September 2011 and September 2015 and recorded the main host trees. The samples were examined by palynological techniques using acetolysis, revealing the use of pollen types belonging to native plants, mainly of arboreal habit. Pollen richness per sample varied from 13 to 31 pollen types (mean = 22.7), where the family Asteraceae had the highest number of pollen types (n = 9) and nectar relevance, followed by Myrtaceae. Relevant pollen types correspond to Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Ilex argentina, Myrcianthes pseudomato and Allophylus edulis, followed by Sambucus peruviana, Parapiptadenia excelsa, Handroanthus lapacho, Myrsine coriacea and Zanthoxylum. Other recorded pollen types, with importance index values below 3.5% were Eupatorium, Dendrophorbium bomanii, Senecio, Pseudognaphalium and pollen of the families Asteraceae and Rhamnaceae. On the other hand, when evaluating nesting substrates we recorded the frequency of use of trunks of Ilex argentina as 55.9%, Parapiptadenia excelsa 10.3%, Myrcianthes pungens 7.4%, M. pseudomato 5.9%, Juglans australis 4.4%, Handroanthus lapacho 2.9%, and Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Myrsine coriacea, Ocotea porphyria, Viburnum seemenii, Myrcianthes mato, Roupala montana var. brasiliensis and Erithrina falcata with a value of 1.5% each. The results obtained provide valuable information on the plants that provide nectar and nesting sites for this stingless bee. This information should be considered for the preparation of conservation or production plans for their hives and pollination activities.

Copper oxide anchored polyaniline modified glassy carbon electrode: A new sensor platform for the Amperometric determination of Chlorpyrifos

This work aims to develop an electrochemical sensor platform for the estimation of the insecticide, Chlorpyrifos (CPF), using copper oxide (CuxO) anchored Polyaniline (PANI) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) [CuxO-PANI/GCE]. Even though both the bare and PANI modified GCEs were responsive to the pesticide, CuxO-PANI-GCE was more effective towards the detection of CPF. During the cyclic voltammetric measurements, the modified electrode shows one anodic and two cathodic peaks in the bare phosphate buffer solution (PBS) which were found to be the characteristics of CuxO. After stabilizing the peak currents by running multiple cyclic voltammograms, the pesticide was introduced into the solution, which binds with the Cu in the polymer resulting in an enhancement of the peak currents. This confirms the electrocatalytic activity of the electrode against CPF. The current values of anodic as well as cathodic peaks vary linearly in the concentration range of 1-12 µM. The regression coefficient values are 0.9903 and 0.9808 for anodic and cathodic curves respectively. Using the amperometric protocols, the sensitivity of the electrode is evaluated, and we conclude that the electrode is able to produce a linear variation in the sensitivity in the concentration range of 1-11 pM with the regression coefficient value, 0.9940. The sensitivity, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the electrode against the pesticide are 0.028 µA/pM, 0.54 pM, 1.8 pM respectively. The selectivity of the electrode was evaluated in the presence of other possible interfering substances and determined that the modified electrode was selective towards the estimation of CPF. The electrode was employed for the determination of CPF in honey samples to analyse its performance in real samples.

Evaluating the Shelf Life of APIS MELLIFERA Honey Collected in South Punjab, Pakistan

The study aimed to assess the shelf life of multi-floral honey collected from the southern region of Punjab Province, Pakistan, over 12 months. Fifty honey samples were analyzed for various physiochemical parameters every four months at room temperature. Initial values included pH, free acidity, electrical conductivity, diastase number, invertase number, HMF, proline content, fructose, glucose, and sucrose percentages. After 12 months, the pH, free acidity, electrical conductivity, diastase, invertase, glucose, and fructose values decreased, while HMF content, proline content, and sucrose percentage increased. These findings suggest that honey composition changes during storage, shortening its shelf life. Fresh A. mellifera honey is recommended for consumption within 6 to 8 months to maintain its quality.

Rapid multi-residue LC-MS/MS determination of nitrofuran metabolites, nitroimidazoles, amphenicols, and quinolones in honey with ultrasonic-assisted derivatization – magnetic solid-phase extraction

A rapid multi-residue LC-MS/MS method for the identification and determination of banned veterinary drugs in honey was developed. A total of 31 investigated veterinary drugs belonging to 4 classes including nitrofurans metabolites, nitroimidazoles, amphenicols, and quinolones were quantified by LC-MS/MS with ESI using one single injection. The sample preparation included treatment with 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde (5-NFA) in a thermostated ultrasonic bath (80 °C, 0.5М НСl, 20 min) to liberate matrix-bound residues of nitrofurans. Magnetic hypercrosslinked polystyrene (HCP/Fe3O4) was proposed for the solid-phase extraction and clean-up of target analytes prior to LC-MS/MS analysis. To evaluate and validate the performance of method, the criteria of the Decision (EC) no 2002/657 were applied. The LOQs of the examined analytes range from 0.3 to 1 μg kg−1, which indicates good sensitivity to quantify the target compounds in honey. The recoveries of veterinary drugs from 1 g of honey with 50 mg of the sorbent are 97–109% for nitrofuran metabolites, 84–115% for nitroimidazoles, 86–103% for amphenicols, and 97–118% for quinolones. The relative standard deviations of intra-day and inter-day precision analyses (RSD) are less than 16%. This methodology was applied to real honey samples and trace levels of some veterinary drugs were detected.

Assessment of the Quality, Chemometric and Pollen Diversity of Apis mellifera Honey from Different Seasonal Harvests.

The parameters for assessing the quality of honey produced by Apis mellifera are standardized worldwide. The physicochemical properties of honey might vary extensively due to factors such as the geographical area where it was produced and the season in which it was harvested. Little information is available on variations in honey quality among different harvest periods in tropical areas, and particularly in neotropical dry forests. This study describes variations in seventeen physicochemical parameters and the pollen diversity of honey harvested from beehives during the dry season in February, March, and April 2021, in the dry arc of Panama. Potassium is the most abundant mineral in honey samples, and its concentration increases during the harvest period from February to April. A PCA analysis showed significant differences among the samples collected during different harvest periods. The pollen diversity also differs among honey samples from February compared with March and April. The results indicate that climatic conditions may play an important role in the quality of honey produced in the dry arc of Panama. Furthermore, these results might be useful for establishing quality-control parameters of bee honey produced in Panama in support of beekeeping activities in seasonal wet-dry areas of the tropics.

Microbiological and Physicochemical Characterization of Honey Samples from Erzurum

Microbiological and Physicochemical Characterization of Honey Samples from Erzurum

Physicochemical and antioxidant characterization of commercially available honey sample from Addis Ababa market, Ethiopia

High-quality and genuine honey is crucial to provide consumers with natural honey and prevent any potential health issues. This study aimed to examine the quality of commercial honey available in the Addis Ababa market. A total of 30 honey samples were randomly collected from eight sub-cities of Addis Ababa city. Both High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and UV–Vis spectroscopic methods were used to determine 12 physicochemical and three antioxidant activity parameters in the honey samples according to internationally recognized standards. The findings of this study showed that the hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), free acidity, and ash content of all commercial honey samples conformed to honey standards. However, except for honey samples collected from processors (19.48 ± 0.4 %) and retail outlets (20.49 ± 0.13 %), all other commercial honey samples failed to meet the moisture content criteria (≤21 %). Proline levels in honey samples taken from the street (67.1 ± 0.52 mg/kg) were also found to be below the required standard. The commercial honey samples contained fructose, glucose, sucrose, and maltose within a range of 33.85 ± 0.65 to 48.61 ± 0.51 %, 33.07 ± 1.58 to 44.3 ± 0.82 %, 0.91 ± 0.05 to 6.23 ± 2.49 %, and 0.51 ± 0.14 to 2.4 ± 0.44 %, respectively. Furthermore, honey samples from market areas showed good Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), and antioxidant activity. Overall, the results revealed that all physicochemical parameters, except for proline, moisture, and sucrose content, complied with approved standards (Codex Alimentarius, European Union (EU), and Ethiopia Standard Agency (ESA). Accordingly, it is recommended that stakeholders receive regular training on how to manage honey quality issues and detect adulteration techniques to prevent contaminated honey from reaching the markets.

Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy combined with machine learning as a rapid detection method to the predict adulteration of honey

Honey is often adulterated with inexpensive and artificial sweeteners. To overcome the time-consuming honey adulteration tests, which require precision, chemicals, and sample preparation, it is needful to develop trustworthy analytical methods to assure its authenticity. In the present study, the potential of ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) in predicting the sucrose content was evaluated by using Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR). To predict the sucrose content based on diagnostic wavelengths, a Point Spectro Transfer Function (PSTF) was evaluated using Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). For this purpose, the spectra of authentic (n = 12), commercial (n = 12), and adulterated (n = 16) honey samples were recorded. Four distinguished wavelengths from correlation analysis between sucrose content and spectra absorption were 216, 280, 316, and 603 nm. The SVR performed better calibration model than the PLSR estimations (RMSE = 0.97, and R2 = 0.98). The predictive models result revealed that both models had high accuracy for the sucrose content estimation. This study proved that UV–Vis spectroscopy provides an economical alternative for the rapid quantification of adulterated honey samples with sucrose.