Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 9, 2026

Methods for Comparing Nutrients in Beebread Made by Africanized and European Honey Bees and the Effects on Hemolymph Protein Titers
Published on: March 17, 2015
Analytical Methods Used in the Quality Control of Honey
Consuelo Pita-Calvo1, María Esther Guerra-Rodríguez1, Manuel Vázquez1
1Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Santiago de Compostela , 27002 Lugo, Spain.
Abstract:
Honey is a natural sweet substance produced by bees (Apis mellifera). In this work, the main parameters used in routine quality control of honey and the most commonly used analytical methods for their determination are reviewed. Honey can be adulterated with cheaper sweeteners or, indirectly, by feeding the bees with sugars. Therefore, methods for detecting and quantifying adulteration are necessary. Chromatographic techniques are widely used in honey analysis. More recently, techniques such as Raman, near-infrared, mid-infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in combination with chemometric data processing have been proposed. However, spectroscopy does not allow the determination of enzyme activities, one criteria of great importance for the honey trade. Methylglyoxal is an interesting compound for its antibacterial properties. Methods for its determination are also reviewed.
Related Concept Videos
Data Validation
Key parameters for method validation include:
Qualitative Analysis
There are two main approaches to qualitative analysis:...
Quality Assurance
Development of Analytical Methods
Quantitative Analysis
In quantitative analysis, two key measurements are made: the sample quantity and a property proportional to the amount of the analyte (the substance being analyzed). This forms the basis of the...
Quality Control
Quality control helps track data, visualize trends, and identify variations, making it easier to detect deviations that may affect the accuracy of an analysis. One way to do this is by generating a quality control chart, which...

