Honey is a natural sweet substance produced by bees from floral nectar. It is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. Below are the general specifications for honey:
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Thick, viscous liquid or crystallized form
Color: Light amber to dark brown (varies based on floral source)
Odor & Taste: Pleasant, characteristic honey aroma and sweet taste
Texture: Smooth, free from lumps or impurities
Moisture Content: Max 18-20%
Solubility: Completely soluble in warm water
Chemical Properties:
Fructose Content: 38-42%
Glucose Content: 28-32%
Sucrose Content: Max 5%
Total Reducing Sugars (Fructose + Glucose): Min 65%
Acidity: 0.2 - 0.5% (expressed as formic acid)
Ash Content: Max 0.5%
pH: 3.5 - 5.5
Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF): Max 40 mg/kg (as per international standards)
Diastase Activity (Amylase): Min 8 DN (Diastase Number)
Proline Content: Min 180 mg/kg (indicator of natural honey)
Microbiological Standards:
Total Plate Count: Max 1,000 CFU/g
Yeast & Mold: Max 200 CFU/g
Coliforms: Absent
E. Coli: Absent
Salmonella: Absent
Clostridium Botulinum: Absent
Contaminants & Adulterants:
Pesticide Residues: As per country-specific regulations (FSSAI, EU, FDA)
Heavy Metals:
Lead (Pb): <0.1 ppm
Cadmium (Cd): <0.05 ppm
Arsenic (As): <0.1 ppm
Mercury (Hg): <0.05 ppm
Antibiotics & Drug Residues: Must be absent
Artificial Additives & Preservatives: Must be absent
Added Sugars or Glucose: Must be absent (tested by C4 sugar analysis)
Applications of Honey:
Food Industry: Used in bakery, confectionery, dairy, beverages, and cereals
Pharmaceuticals & Ayurveda: Used in cough syrups, herbal medicines, and wound healing
Cosmetics & Personal Care: Used in skincare, hair care, and beauty products
Beverages: Used in herbal teas, energy drinks, and fermented honey drinks
Industrial Use: Used in fermentation, alcoholic beverages, and honey-based syrups
