Physicochemical evaluation of honey marketed in the metropolitan region of São Luís-MA

Honey is a product of high biological value, largely used for therapeutic and food purposes. Although exist specific legislation in Brazil that establishes quality parameters of honey marketed for the physicochemical aspects many studies indicate large amounts of samples of different results than those provided by law. The objective of this study was to analyze the physicochemical quality of 4 samples of honeys obtained from the formal trade (pharmacies) and informal (fairs) of the metropolitan region of São Luís/MA. Analysis of acidity, pH, humidity, ashes, microscopic analysis of dirt, Lugol and Lund reactions were performed according to the methodology adopted by Adolfo Lutz. The acidity of the samples ranged from 16.33 to 25.77 Meq/kg, and the pH ranged from 2.9-3.8. The humidity values were between 14.01 and 17.26% and ashes between 0.015 and 0.302. Regarding the microscopic analysis, all the samples presented dirt, being in disagreement with the current legislation. The analysis for the Lugol reaction was positive, indicating adulteration by starch or dextrins. In the Lund reaction analysis, there was no precipitate formation in all samples, indicative of adulteration of the honeys by addition of water or some other type of diluent. It was observed that the results of acidity, pH, humidity and ashes are within the standards required by the legislation, however microscopic analysis of dirt, Lugol, Lund reaction did not present physicochemical parameters recommended by the current legislation. Among the analyzed samples, none were compliant with the legislation, probably due to the lack of adequate management or possible tampering that allowed the results.