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Standards Development
This European Standard provides guidance on the collection of honey reference samples for the development of authenticity databases. It ensures that such databases contain data derived from ‘authentic’ honey samples that are representative of their defined scope. The document outlines practical methodologies for collecting reference samples across the honey supply chain, emphasizing the importance of homogeneity, integrity, and traceable provenance. Examples are included to illustrate the recommended practices.
The scope of this standard does not encompass legal definitions of honey or compositional requirements. Additionally, it is not intended for sampling honey for immediate authenticity testing, nor does it cover non-honey reference samples, such as syrups or bee feeding materials.
There are a number of commercial honey authenticity databases currently being used for assessing the integrity of honey. The composition of any honey may vary significantly depending on what point in a season it is produced due to changes in flora, environmental conditions, and nectar flow, for example. Honey from the same geographic or floral origin may also vary significantly from year-to-year for similar reasons. It is therefore essential that the homogeneity, integrity, and provenance of honey reference samples used to compile such databases can be assured, that the databases are fit for-purpose and that they contain data derived from ‘authentic’ reference honey samples that are fully representative of their defined scope. The proposed document defines a protocol for a practical process for obtaining reference samples at different points in the honey supply chain, and to specify what associated records, documents and other considerations are necessary for a sample to be deemed acceptable for inclusion in a honey authenticity database.
UK Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, 2023. Protocol for the Collection of Honey Reference Samples for the Construction of Authenticity Databases available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6527cbcb2548ca0014ddf1ab/Published_Protocol_GC_honey_sampling.pdf
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