Honey Authentication: A review of the issues and challenges associated with honey adulteration

Abstract

Honey, often referred to as ‘liquid gold,’ a time-honoured natural food with a rich history, has now ascended to the status of a superfood in today's global market, thanks to its myriad nutraceutical properties. Despite its esteemed position, the global honey industry confronts a formidable challenge posed by the surge in adulteration driven by economic motives. This predicament complicates the authentication process, as sophisticated fraudulent methods come into play. The repercussions of such deceptive practices extend across the honey market, affecting its pricing, quality, and nutritional value, leading to an erosion of consumer trust and potential health risks. Notably, the analytical techniques employed for verifying honey authenticity often yield intricate, data-rich certificates of analysis that may be opaque to stakeholders lacking specialized knowledge. Recent initiatives have emerged to counteract this issue, incorporating modern rapid and sensitive techniques, establishing auditing, implementing certification processes, and garnering the involvement of global regulatory bodies. Collaborative actions are essential to preserve the integrity of honey, protect consumer interests, and foster a resilient and transparent honey industry worldwide. Consequently, this article underscores the comprehensive measures and technological advancements in detection of adulteration, and the layers of authentication processes to ensure ethical practices within the honey industry.