prEN 18441-2

Food authenticity — Guidance on the collection of reference samples for the construction of authenticity databases — Part 2: Honey prEN 18441-2

Scope

This European Standard focuses on only those aspects that are specific for honey reference samples and is designed to be used in conjunction with the CEN generic sampling protocol for food authenticity. It provides guidance on the collection of honey reference samples for inclusion in authenticity databases. It ensures that such databases contain data derived from ‘authentic’ honey samples that are representative of the defined scope of the database. The document outlines practical methodologies for collecting reference samples across the honey supply chain, with relevant examples given for illustration, emphasizing the importance of homogeneity, integrity, and traceability. It includes a ranking system that rates samples according to evidence of their traceability, for example, reference samples that can be evidenced to be taken directly from the hive are rated higher than reference samples taken from further down the supply chain or samples where traceability information may be incomplete.
The scope of this standard does not encompass legal definitions of honey or compositional requirements and it is also neutral with regard to interpretation of the results using authenticity databases. Additionally, it is not intended for sampling honey for routine authenticity testing, nor does it cover non-honey reference samples, such as syrups or bee feeding materials.