Adulteration, conformities of packaging and labeling of honey sold in the free markets on the Boa Vista city, Roraima, Brazil

Resumo

Honey contains high concentration sugars from flower nectar, extrafloral nectars or insect exuded. However, honey may present varied adulterations related to the addition of low commercial value ingredients. This study aimed to verify possible adulteration in honey samples commercialized at free markets in the Boa Vista city, State of Roraima, through the pollinic content, sensorial analyses and protein precipitation through Lund’s reaction. Packaging and labelling were also evaluated. Thirty-one commercial honey samples of Apis mellifera were acquired in six free markets. Of the analyzed samples, 20 (64.5%) gave a negative result for Lund's reaction (considered adulterated) and eleven (35.5%) tested positive (considered unadulterated). Eleven samples did not contained pollen. Six samples were considered Acacia mangium honey, seven as wild honey and two as wild honey mixed with A. mangium honeydew. In view of packaging, three samples were packed in glass bottles the others in plastic bottles, mostly PET type. Only eleven bottles presented label, but none possess all the requirements of the current legislation. Six labeled samples were considered adulterated. The adulteration percentage determined by Lund's reaction was considered very high which point out alert to the supervisory agencies to combat this type of fraud