Honey is considered one of the foods most at risk of fraud, the most common fraud being adulteration, usually by addition of sugar. However other types of fraud exist, for example the false declaration of botanical or geographical origin, which especially relevant to Manuka honey.
Traceability and authenticity is therefore crucial for honey and other products from the hive to ensure a fair and sustainable beekeeping sector.
Eurofins Food Testing UK, in partnership with our authenticity competence centres, offer advanced honey authenticity testing to detect adulteration, verify origin, and help protect brand integrity. Our laboratories can apply a multi-technology approach, including isotope analysis and NMR profiling, to assess whether honey samples match their declared composition and origin.
These methods can identify a range of adulteration practices, including the addition of plant sugars, starch-derived syrups, or other undeclared sweeteners. They can also confirm whether the botanical and geographical origin stated on the label is consistent with analytical profiles.
Applications of honey authenticity testing
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Detect exogenous sugars and undeclared sweeteners (from whatever source: cane, corn, beet, wheat, rice, etc.)
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Confirm declared botanical (single-flower honeys) and geographical origin
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Identify dilution or blending with lower-value honeys
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Detect various irregularities such as excessive heat treatment (determination of 5-HMF) or fermentation
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Support compliance with UK and EU honey marketing and labelling standards
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Help monitor supply chains to reduce fraud risks
Honey authenticity testing using isotope and profiling methods
Samples are analysed to build a detailed chemical and isotopic profile, which is compared to reference datasets of authentic honeys from around the world. This allows us to detect deviations from expected patterns and assess whether the honey is consistent with its declared origin and composition.
NMR profiling enables rapid screening for a wide range of quality and authenticity markers, while isotope analysis provides highly specific data on the source of sugars present. Together, these methods provide a powerful toolset for authenticity verification.
Advantages of using Eurofins’ honey authenticity testing
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Comprehensive analysis; combines profiling and isotope techniques for broad detection
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High specificity; identifies subtle differences between authentic and adulterated samples
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Regulatory alignment; methods developed to reflect current UK and EU standards and industry best practice
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Versatility; suitable for all kinds of honey from flowers and honeydew, mono or poly-floral
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Proactive risk management; supports brand protection and supply chain integrity
Advantages of using the Eurofins network
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Global expertise, local service; access to out authenticity testing experts
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Advanced facilities; laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art profiling and isotope analysis platforms
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Integrated services; combine honey testing with pollen analysis, microbiological testing, or contaminant screening
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Quality assurance; testing performed in accredited laboratories with validated methods
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Proven track record
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Consultancy support
Contact us
Contact Eurofins Food Testing UK to access our full range of authenticity testing and consultancy services by submitting an enquiry or calling +44 (0) 845 604 6740
