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A New Method for the Authentication of Australian Honey

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Chowdhury, S. A., Anuj, S. R., Carter, J. F., Hungerford, N. L., Webber, D., Sultanbawa, Y. and Fletcher, M. T. (2019) A New Method for the Authentication of Australian Honey. Proceedings, 36 (1). p. 112. ISSN 2504-3900

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Article Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2019036112

Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3900/36/1/112

Abstract

The honey bee industry in Australia is small but has a big impact on both producers and consumers. Alarmingly, it has been recently reported that an international laboratory, specializing in honey authentication, found that almost half of the 28 blended and imported honey samples selected from Australian supermarket shelves were "adulterated". The Official method of honey analysis (AOAC 998.12) is based on the stable-isotope ratio mass spectrometry analysis of δ13C value of honey versus δ13C of honey protein to detect the addition of C4 plant derived sugars, such as cane sugar or high fructose corn syrup. This method is used as the primary C4 sugar adulteration test around the world, but honey derived from some Australian plants, particularly Manuka (Leptospermum species), fails this process. Our research aims to examine the characteristics of Australian honey and develop a test that is fit for purpose, particularly where honeys derived from Leptospermum species are concerned. We have focused on the isotopic values of "proteins"; precipitated using the standard AOAC method and “proteins” precipitated after incorporation of a further modification step which removes insoluble material (including pollen) from the honey before precipitation. Our modified method includes the analysis of different isotopes of the precipitated protein, sugar profiles and Manuka markers. A key advantage of the proposed modification is that it does not preclude the detection of residual sugar feeding of bees or extension of honey with C4 sugar. The proposed modification to the AOAC test will reduce false identification of C4 sugars and improve the overall reliability of Australian honey authentication.

Item Type:Article
Business groups:Biosecurity Queensland
Keywords:honey authenticity stable isotope ratio C4 sugar adulteration authentication
Subjects:Science > Entomology
Agriculture > Agriculture (General) > Agricultural chemistry. Agricultural chemicals
Animal culture > Insect culture and beneficial insects
Animal culture > Insect culture and beneficial insects > Bee culture
Live Archive:01 Sep 2020 01:04
Last Modified:03 Sep 2021 16:46

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