The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a non-profit research and advocacy organization, has recently conducted an investigation into the purity of honey sold by major brands in India. Their findings reveal that a vast number of these brands are adulterating honey with synthetic sugar syrup, posing potential health risks to consumers.
Investigative Findings
CSE’s probe examined 13 major honey brands in India and discovered that 10 of the samples failed the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) test, an internationally-recognized standard for determining the composition of a product at the molecular level. Brands such as Dabur, Patanjali, Baidyanath, Zandu, Hitkari, and Apis Himalaya, all failed this critical test.
The investigation also revealed that Indian companies dealing with honey were reportedly importing synthetic sugar syrups from China to mix with the honey. These sugar syrups were designed to bypass tests for checking adulteration and were marketed on Chinese trade portals. Agents representing these Chinese companies informed CSE that even if 50-80% of the honey was adulterated with syrup, it would still pass the tests stipulated by Indian standards.
Implication of Adulteration
Adulteration not only manipulates the quality of the honey but also hampers the livelihood of bee-keepers who cannot compete with the reduced price of sugar-syrup honey. For these bee-keepers, producing pure honey becomes unprofitable due to the lower market price of adulterated honey.
Furthermore, the adulteration of honey poses a significant risk to health. Many households consume honey due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, this finding implies that instead of pure honey, people are consuming higher amounts of sugar. This increased intake of sugar could potentially heighten the risk of obesity and make individuals more susceptible to diseases such as Covid-19.
About Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Test
The NMR test is an analytical chemistry technique employed worldwide for determining the content, purity, and molecular structure of a sample. Although not obligatory for marketing honey locally in India, the test is crucial for export purposes. However, recent NMR tests, though successful in detecting additives, fell short of identifying the exact quantity of adulteration.
Steps Towards Improvement
The revelation of this investigation signifies the urgent need to strengthen India’s enforcement mechanism regarding food quality control. This improvement could entail tighter standards, rigorous testing, and bolstered traceability.
One viable solution would be for the government to get samples tested using advanced technologies and divulge this information to the public to ensure consumer awareness and safety.
Moreover, there should be a halt on the import of syrups and honey from China, prohibiting any indirect imports through other countries, often referred to as “syrup laundering.” Companies should also be required to trace the origins of the honey from the beekeeper to the hive. This transparency could enhance the credibility of these brands, assuring consumers of the product’s purity.