DETECTION OF HONEY ADULTRATION IN LOCALLY PACKAGE HONEY IN DUTSE METROPOLIS, JIGAWA STATE

ABSTRACT Honey adulteration has emerged as a significant concern in food safety and quality assurance, particularly in locally packaged honey sold in informal markets. Between 2015 and 2025, the rising demand for honey and limited regulatory oversight in developing regions have contributed to the proliferation of adulterated products. This study investigates the prevalence and detection of honey adulteration in locally packaged samples, focusing on the use of both conventional and advanced analytical techniques. Methods such as refractometry, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) quantification, and sugar profile analysis were employed alongside more sophisticated tools including isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These techniques enabled the identification of common adulterants such as glucose syrup, inverted sugar, and rice syrup, which compromise the nutritional and medicinal value of honey. Findings reveal that a significant proportion of locally packaged honey samples failed to meet international purity standards, underscoring the need for improved monitoring and consumer education. The study advocates for the adoption of standardized testing protocols and stricter enforcement of food labeling regulations to protect consumers and support ethical beekeeping practices.