This test is used internationally to detect whether honey has been adulterated by adding sugar (mainly cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup).
Sugars produced from tropical plants like sugar cane and maize/corn are produced using a photosynthetic pathway referred to as the C4 pathway. Nectar which is collected by bees comes from plants that use a different process of photosynthesis, referred to as the C3 pathway. There is a measurable difference in the ratio of the naturally occurring carbon-12 and carbon-13 isotopes in sugars arising from the C3 and C4 pathways, and this test uses this difference to identify whether C4 sugar appears to have been added to the honey.
The test reports an apparent C4 sugar content, and there is an internationally accepted limit for apparent C4 sugar content (as measured by this test) of 7%.
In recent years it has been shown that Manuka honeys can have an apparent C4 sugar test result that is higher than 7%, even when it is clear that no sugar has been added. Ongoing research is being undertaken to investigate this, and perhaps identify an alternative way of detecting sugar adulteration. In the meantime, this remains as an important test for access to some international markets.
Please note, this test is designed for pure honey only. Honey with organic additives (e.g. ginger, berries, etc.) are not suitable for this test.
Click here to read more about C4 Sugars in an article written by one of our technologists for The New Zealand Beekeeper Journal.
How does Analytica conduct the test
Protein (mainly derived from pollen) is extracted from honey by precipitation, and is analysed for its carbon-12 to carbon-13 ratio. The carbon-12 to carbon-13 ratio is also analysed in the whole honey, and the difference between the values for whole honey and protein is used to calculate the apparent C4 sugar content.
Analytica uses Isotope Ratio Mass Spectroscopy and Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy to carry out this testing, conforming to the internationally recognised AOAC standard method.
A new option for c4 sugar testing
Analytica Laboratories is now offering a low cost Screening Test for C4 Sugar in honey, as well as the current Reference Method Test which meets the requirements of AOAC 998.12.
Priced at $60 + GST per sample, the Screening Test is a cost effective option suited to testing honey at extraction, when buying or selling, and prior to blending. The Reference Method Test, which fully conforms to the AOAC 998.12 standard, continues to be available for $140 + GST with a reduced level of variability. It will be preferred by those needing a higher level of precision and/or a test certificate based on this internationally recognised method.
Click here for more information regarding the two C4 Sugar Testing options.