Study of Physicochemical Quality and Organic Contamination in Algerian Honey
Sofiane Derrar,
Vincenzo Lo Turco,
Ambrogina Albergamo,
Benedetta Sgrò,
Mohamed Amine Ayad,
Federica Litrenta,
Mohamed Said Saim,
Angela Giorgia Potortì,
Hebib Aggad,
Rossana Rando,
Giuseppa Di Bella
Affiliations
Sofiane Derrar
Laboratoire d’Hygiène et Pathologie Animale, Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria
Vincenzo Lo Turco
Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Images Sciences (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98122 Messina, Italy
Ambrogina Albergamo
Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Images Sciences (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98122 Messina, Italy
Benedetta Sgrò
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Mohamed Amine Ayad
Laboratoire d’Hygiène et Pathologie Animale, Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria
Federica Litrenta
Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Images Sciences (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98122 Messina, Italy
Mohamed Said Saim
Laboratoire d’Hygiène et Pathologie Animale, Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria
Angela Giorgia Potortì
Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Images Sciences (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98122 Messina, Italy
Hebib Aggad
Laboratoire d’Hygiène et Pathologie Animale, Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria
Rossana Rando
Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Images Sciences (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98122 Messina, Italy
Giuseppa Di Bella
Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Images Sciences (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98122 Messina, Italy
Honey is a natural product extensively consumed in the world for its nutritional and healthy properties. However, residues of pesticides and environmental contaminants can compromise its quality. For this reason, the physicochemical parameters, and the organic contamination of monofloral and multifloral honey from three regions of Algeria (Tiaret, Laghouat, and Tindouf) were monitored to evaluate the quality of the honey and its safety for consumers. In general, the results obtained from the physicochemical analyses were in line with the EU standards. In terms of contamination, pesticides authorised and used in Algerian agriculture (metalaxyl-M and cyromazine), as well as a banned pesticide (carbaryl), were found in almost all the samples. However, only the concentration of cyromazine was higher than the relative EU maximum residue levels. PCB 180, PCB 189, anthracene, fluorene, and phenanthrene were mainly detected. All the honey shows traces of DiBP, DBP, DEHP, and DEHT, but no traces of bisphenols were found. Moreover, according to the dietary exposure assessment, a small amount of Algerian honey can be safely consumed. Overall, the data from this study should motivate the Algerian government to enhance their monitoring activities in beekeeping and to find solutions for implementing more sustainable agricultural practices harmonising with international legislation.
