Scientists have found a way of detecting fake honey without even opening the jar – by shining light through it.
Bulking out the product with cheaper ingredients has become a lucrative global business.
Until now each jar has had to be opened and the contents tested to see if cheaper sugar syrups have been added by fraudsters. A major EU study last year tested 320 consignments imported from 20 countries.
It found more than 40 per cent had been doctored with at least one source of additional sugar.
And of the 10 samples taken from the UK, every jar was revealed to be a fake.
Now researchers at Cranfield University, in Bedfordshire, have found a way of using specialist light analysis to detect whether the honey is a phoney.
Dr Maria Anastasiadi, lecturer in bioinformatics, led the study. She said: “Honey can be easily targeted by fraudsters which leaves genuine suppliers out of pocket and undermines trust.
“This method is an effective quick tool to identify suspicious samples, helping to protect consumers and supply chains.”
And Ian Campbell, of the British Beekeepers’ Association, said: “It’s something of an ‘arms race’ between testers and those adulterating honey.”
