PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL AND LABELING ANALYSIS OF HONEY CONSUMED IN CAXIAS DO SUL – RS

Abstract

Honey is one of the purest of nature products, derived from nectar and other natural plant secretions, which are collected and processed by bees. Frauds in this food, as well as problems related to its processing, raise concerns for health authorities and, in this context, studies analyzing its quality are extremely important. The objective of this work was to analyze the physical and chemical quality and labeling of ten samples of honeys marketed in the city of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul. Moisture determination, refractive index determination, pH determination, acidity determination, Lund test, Lugol test and hydroxymethylfurfural determination were performed. The physico-chemical tests were performed at the Science Laboratory of the Federal Institute of Education of Rio Grande do Sul - Campus Bento Gonçalves, at the Science Laboratory of the State University of Rio Grande do Sul - Campus Caxias do Sul and at the Science Laboratory of the Fatima Faculty. In addition, product labeling analysis and comparison of compliance with current legislation were performed. The results were analyzed descriptively. Two (20%) of the ten samples analyzed presented nonconformity in the hydroxymethylfurfural test and two (20%) presented nonconformity in the moisture test. The other results found in the physico-chemical tests were in accordance with current legislation. In addition, 100% of the honeys sold in Caxias do Sul were within the standard established by the labeling legislation.