From the University Agenda

One can understand the fake honey in the laboratory!

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry spotted that some honeys sold with the label "natural honey" in grocery stores, markets and on the internet were fake. Dr. Eda Şensu Demir discussed the fake honey issue, which often comes up. Demir gave information about the contents of fake honeys offered for sale in order to mislead the consumer and to make unfair profits. She explained the ways to understand which of the honeys on the market are fake and which are real/natural. Evaluating the fake honey news that has been frequently on the agenda recently, Istanbul Gelisim University Vocational School Food Technology Program Lecturer Eda Şensu Demir stated: "Fake honey can lead to digestive system disorders, headaches and diseases such as obesity, hyperglycemia and liver and kidney damage in the long term." Speaking about the methods of distinguishing fake honey, Demir said that the only sure way to distinguish fake honey from natural one is through laboratory analysis.

Fake honey dissolves quickly!

While natural honey tends to crystallize, no such change is seen in fake honey. Again, natural honey will settle at the bottom of the glass and not dissolve readily while fake honey dissolves quickly. But these methods are not enough to distinguish fake honeys. Fake honey cannot be detected without laboratory analysis.

Fake honey does not contain pollen, antioxidants and enzymes!

Fake honey on the market aims to mimic the look and smell of natural honey. Fake honey does not contain pollen, antioxidants and enzymes found in natural honey. Dr. Demir also mentioned about fake honey ingredients presented to the consumer with the natural honey label. Fake honey contained sugar syrup, glucose, corn syrup. In addition, fake honey is produced using sweeteners or completely artificially.

Fake honey can cause an allergic reaction!

Existing case studies on both humans and animals have revealed harms associated with fake honey intake. Chemicals such as the high amount of sugar in fake honey, sweeteners and preservatives can cause various side effects in the body. Dr. Demir  warned: “Fake honey can cause digestive disorders, headaches, and long-term diseases such as obesity, hyperglycemia, and liver and kidney damage.'' In addition to all these diseases, additives in fake honey can cause allergic reactions. In addition, fake honey can contain toxic substances such as heavy metals, pesticides and antibiotic residues.

Read the label when buying honey!

The price of honey is directly proportional to its quality. The brand and the producer must be reliable. When buying, read the label as well as any food. "If it is written organic on it, the accuracy of the organic certificate must be investigated.'' said Dr. Eda Şensu Demir and suggested that the honey produced with the permission of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry should be consumed.