How SGS Combats Honey Adulteration and Fraud in the UAE

Honey is one of the oldest forms of natural sweeteners used globally. However, the honey that is tasted by the consumer has been modified in some manner.

Honey adulteration or fraud refers to the addition of additives to the honey. It takes various forms, all aimed at deceiving consumers. From substituting pure honey with cheaper alternatives like rice syrup to altering volume with non-authentic substances. These unscrupulous practices also include hastening drying times during harvesting and mislabeling honey bottles.

These fraudulent practices have led to multiple scandals reported across Canada, Europe, the USA, Australia, and the Middle East.

Impact on Supply Chains and Consumers

The complexity of global supply chains makes it extremely challenging to trace the source of adulteration, leading to vendors and beekeepers partaking in distributing fake products. Furthermore, this sale of fake honey not only misguides consumers but also creates significant health risks for them. Counterfeit honey inadvertently leads to the following risks:

• Increased blood sugar
• Type II diabetes
• Abdominal weight gain and obesity
• High blood pressure

Combatting Honey Fraud with SGS

As the frequency of honey fraud increases globally, it is imperative to test the quality and safety of such products. Amidst these challenges, there is still hope for the industry as newer forms of technological advancements in testing and equipment are being developed. At SGS we utilize a global network of state-of-the-art laboratories, providing testing services for a wide range of parameters.

At our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs in Dubai, our technicians employ cutting-edge methods like EA-IRMS and LC-IRMS to test a wide range of parameters, including the identification of adulterants, additives, artificial sweeteners, sugars, and pesticides. These tests help identify the presence or absence of adulterated contaminants at different stages of the supply chain.

The fight against fake honey is bolstered by food safety testing services, which play a crucial role in adhering to national and international regulations. Through rigorous testing for residues, contaminants, microorganisms, allergens, additives, and nutritional content, the food supply chain can be safeguarded from counterfeit honey.