UK Scientists Develop Technology to Combat Fake Honey
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Loading... - Layla Mido
- 26 Aug 2024
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UK researchers have made a breakthrough in detecting sugar syrup adulteration in honey, paving the way for fast and accurate tests to uncover fake products in a market worth millions of pounds.
Honey is a high-value product, with £89.8 million worth of honey imported to the UK in 2023 alone. However, the industry is vulnerable to fraud, with syrups being added to dilute the pure honey and increase profits for the seller. A European Commission report found that 46% of 147 honey samples tested were likely to have been adulterated with cheap plant syrups.
Scientists at Cranfield University have developed two new methods to authenticate UK honey quickly and accurately. The first method uses a specialist light analysis technique called Spatial Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) to detect fake honey without opening the jar. This method proved highly accurate in detecting sugar syrups present in the honey.
The second method uses DNA barcoding to detect rice and corn syrups spiked in UK honey samples. This method was effective in breaking down the composition of each sample, successfully detecting syrups even at a 1% adulteration level.
These two new methods increase the chances of detecting sugar adulteration in honey before it reaches the consumer. They offer a fast and accurate way to test honey products, which can help to combat fraud and ensure that consumers get the high-quality honey they pay for.
The development of these new methods has significant implications for the honey industry. They can help to restore consumer trust in honey products, protect the reputation of bee farmers and honey producers, and ensure that the industry is fair and transparent.
The researchers are now working to refine their methods and make them more widely available to the industry. They are also exploring the potential applications of these methods in other areas, such as detecting adulteration in other food products.
