LC-HRMS-Based Non-Targeted Metabolomics for the Assessment of Honey Adulteration with Sugar Syrups: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Honey is a natural product that is in great demand and has a relatively high price, thus making it one of the most common targets of economically motivated adulteration. Its adulteration can be obtained by adding cheaper honey or sugar syrups or by overfeeding honeybees with sugar syrups. Adulteration techniques are constantly evolving and advanced techniques and instruments are required for its detection. We used non-targeted metabolomics to underscore potential markers of honey adulteration with sugar syrups. The metabolomic profiles of unadulterated honeys and sugar beet, corn and wheat syrups were obtained using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The potential markers have been selected after data processing. Fortified honey (5%, 10% and 20%), honey obtained from overfeeding, and 58 commercial honeys were analyzed. One potential marker appeared with a specific signal for syrups and not for honey. This targeted analysis showed a linear trend in fortified honeys with a calculated limit of quantification around 5% of fortification.

Food fraud: insights from investigating a near-fatal poisoning with global implications

“…The result can be an inferior product that is sold at a premium price, which cheats but otherwise does not harm consumers. Common examples include diluting high-grade honey with sugar syrups 3,4 , or cheaper fish for more desirable species 5,6 .…”

“…The result can be an inferior product that is sold at a premium price, which cheats but otherwise does not harm consumers. Common examples include diluting high-grade honey with sugar syrups 3,4 , or cheaper fish for more desirable species 5,6 .Cases can also result in harm when a food is adulterated with a toxic substance. Particularly widespread cases occurred when lead chromate was added to turmeric 7,8 .…”