Comparação entre metodologias para identificação da origem botânica em amostras comerciais de mel unifloral

Abstract

Honey is a sweet, viscous, and organic substance produced by one of the most important animals for ecosystem functioning: bees. Bees produce diverse types of honey, which differ in color, pH, and flavor, depending on the species and/or the flowering plants from which they collect pollen. The commercialization of honey spans the food, health, and cosmetics industries. However, due to its natural origin and sweetness, honey is considered one of the most adulterated foods in the world, raising concerns, misleading consumers with counterfeit products, and harming genuine producers who comply with regulations and standards. The objective of this study was to analyze and correlate methodologies that allow the identification of the botanical origin of commercial honey samples, aiming to validate the product according to the claims on their labels. Two methodologies were employed: the first involved the DNA barcoding technique, which identifies botanical origin through genomic sequencing, and the second was Melissopalynology, a derivative of palynology that uses morphological descriptions of pollen grains in samples to determine botanical origin. This study analyzed six honey samples commercially available in Goiânia, Goiás. The results revealed that the labeling of all honey samples analyzed did not conform to either method used, indicating non-compliance with honey regulatory standards.