cen:proj:81361

Food authenticity — Protocol for the collection of honey reference samples for the construction of authenticity databases cen:proj:81361

Scope

This document provides guidance on the collection of honey reference samples for the development of authenticity databases. It ensures that such databases contain data derived from ‘authentic’ honey samples that are representative of their defined scope. The document outlines practical methodologies for collecting reference samples across the honey supply chain, emphasizing the importance of homogeneity, integrity, and traceable provenance. Examples are included to illustrate the recommended practices.
The scope of this standard does not encompass legal definitions of honey or compositional requirements. Additionally, it is not intended for sampling honey for immediate authenticity testing, nor does it cover non-honey reference samples, such as syrups or bee feeding materials.