The physicochemical characteristics of honey and quantification of some anti-microbial agents in honey from different Serbian regions as a quality assessment tool

Abstract

Healthy, organic, high-calorie and very tasty - these attributes are often associated with natural products such as honey. The aim of this study is to characterize the 135 honey samples collected in seven regions of central Serbia in terms of their physicochemical parameters (electrical conductivity, moisture, free acids, insoluble matter and reducing sugars, hydroxymethylfurfural, and diastase activity), the possible presence of tetracycline, sulfonamide and pesticide residues, and finally to perform a quality assessment for consumer protection. Considering the physicochemical parameters, it was found that almost all honey samples complied with the European Legislation (EC Directive 2001/110: THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 2001) for the parameters studied. From the point of view of antimicrobial agents, the commercial quality was considered good, and all samples were found to be free of harmful agents such as bacteriostatic, antibiotic and pesticide residues through analysis.

Keywords

• geographical origin
• pesticide residues
• physicochemical parameters
• polyfloral honey
• unifloral honey