The objective of this research is to test clover and wildflower honeys sold on the commercial markets for the presence of sugar adulterants. Honey is a common target of fraud, in which cheaper sugar syrups, such as corn syrup, beet syrup, and rice syrup, are added to replace authentic honey. In addition, honey is sometimes diluted with water, which can lessen the concentration of the natural components associated with the benefits of honey. A total of 30 honey samples were obtained from commercial markets in Orange County, CA. The degrees Brix of the honey was measured by a digital refractometer and converted to moisture percentage to validate it was under 18.6% moisture (the maximum level of moisture that should be present in commercial honey samples according to USDA Standards). All honey samples were measured to be under 18.6% moisture. The samples were tested for the presence of adulterants using 1H NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) Spectroscopy. A standard was made for the common sugar adulterants in honey, including glucose, fructose, sucrose, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to obtain the exact chemical shifts in the NMR spectra to compare with the honey samples. Other sugar syrups such as corn syrup, beet syrup, and rice syrup were obtained for comparison as well. The number signals in the chemical shifts are proportional to the concentration of the particular compound, which can provide insight on the concentration of possible sugar adulterants and other natural components. Overall, the results of this study will improve our understanding of the extent of honey fraud on the commercial market.

Use of 1H NMR spectroscopy to identify fraud in commercial honey samples

ACS Spring 2022

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