Italy: New standard introduced to combat honey fraud
A notable advancement in food authenticity has emerged in Italy through an initiative led by CNR-Scitec in Milan, resulting in the publication of the first UNI standard that utilizes high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to detect honey fraud. This standard specifically targets the unauthorized addition of sugars, including inulin, invert sugar, and corn or malt syrup.
A recent international report has highlighted a pressing concern: nearly 50% of honey imported into Europe fails to meet the standards set by the European Directive 2001/110/EC, which outlines the minimum quality requirements for honey intended for consumption. The most frequent form of adulteration involves diluting genuine honey with low-cost saccharide syrups derived from various plant sources, which can be complex in composition and challenging to detect.
The NMR technique offers a significant advantage by enabling the selective identification and quantification of specific signals associated with each type of adulterant studied. Researchers conducted tests on various honey types, including chestnut, acacia, and multi-flower, by artificially contaminating them with sugars in concentrations ranging from 10% to 30%. The successful outcomes of these tests, shared with numerous Italian laboratories, validate the method's effectiveness.
This project reflects a collaborative effort among several scientific and academic institutions, underscoring the importance of national cooperation in ensuring transparency and consumer protection.
The new standard is formally identified as UNI 11972:2025, which specifically addresses the identification of adulteration in chestnut, multi-flower, and acacia honey using NMR spectroscopy.
The introduction of this UNI standard in Italy marks a significant advancement in the fight against honey fraud, facilitating more stringent market controls and deterring dishonest practices, thereby preserving the integrity of this valuable product.
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