Characteristics in these tests show that all ten brands of honey are safe

The ratio between Fructose and glucose in honey should be between 0.95 to 1.5 and defines the ability of pure honey to crystallise. If this ratio is high the honey does not crystallise. So if honey appears to solidify (crystallise) it is an indicator of pure honey.

Fructose and Glucose are reducing sugars capable of reducing other compounds. They must be at least 65% . All brands met this specification.

It occurs naturally in honey and is an indicator of quality of honey. The standard specifies a max limit of 80mg/kg. All ten brands conformed to this specification.

Honey provides a good amount of energy in daily human requirement. Reliance had the highest amount while lowest was in Fresh & Pure.

FSSAI has set limit of 20% of moisture content. All brands were within this limit. Higher moisture content can lead to undesirable fermentation during storage.

Total plate count(TPC) was conducted and was found to be within safe limits for each brand.

Commercial bee farms are known to have sued antibiotics to prevent disease in bee’s colonies. Such usage may protect bees but in the process honey becomes contaminated with antibiotics. Some years back tests conducted by Centre for Science and Environment had found presence of antibiotics in honey brands in Indian market. The latest tests by Consumer Voice tested samples for presence of 7 antibiotics: oxy tetracycline, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, chlortetracycline and erythromycin. None of these 7 antibiotics were detected in any of the brands.

All ten brands conformed to other parameters like ash content below 0.5 % by mass, acidity max 0.2% by weight, specific gravity not below 1.35 at 27 deg C and optical density max 0.3%. The lab tests are complicated scientific methods which can be best conducted in qualified and accredited labs. These tests have been conducted in one such lab. They have set afoot a storm of claims and counter claims by various brands. There are certain to be more tests conducted to find out the purity of the brands in the market. FSSAI is reported to be reexamining the recent honey standards notified. The last word is yet to be said about this subject.