On August 1, 2024, the website of the Russian State Quality System (THEP) released the results of the 2024 honey quality inspection, a total of 16 brands of packaged honey (TM) labels, sugar and proline content and other 14 indicators were checked. Main contents:

(1) The ratio of fructose to glucose does not meet the requirements of the Russian State Standard (GOST), according to GOST 19792 and GOST 31766. The ratio of fructose to glucose by mass fraction must be at least 1.05. Otherwise, it indicates that high fructose syrup has been added to the product. The results showed that 11 products did not meet the GOST standard for sugar;

(2) The proline content is not qualified. The proline content in honey produced in accordance with GOST 19792-2017(Natural honey) must be at least 180mg/kg. It was found that the proline content of 6 products was inconsistent with that of natural honey.

(3) The amylase value is not consistent. GOST 19792 and 31766 stipulate at least 8 units of amylase value for all types of honey, etc. The results show that the amylase value of 10 products does not conform to the characteristics of natural honey and declared honey types, confirming the fact of fraud and misleading buyers;

(4) Inconsistent pollen grain content. The GOST stipulates that the pollen grain content of single flower honeys, such as chestnut, lime and buckwheat, sunflower and white acacia, is at least 60%, 30%, 45% and 7% respectively, and the results show that 12 products are not honey labeled on the package;

(5) Violation of technical regulations. According to GOST and technical regulations, the content of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in honey is allowed to be no more than 25mg/kg(HMF content is allowed to be up to 60mg/kg in the US and EU), and five honeys in the test were cloudy and could not be determined, which is a sign of honey dilution, in violation of technical regulations. As of September 1, 2024, the amendment to the Russian Law on beekeeping will take effect, and products with high fructose corn syrup added will no longer be called honey.