We regularly run honey, maple syrup, and corn syrup samples as part of our fourth year undergraduate course at McMaster University. It's a fun lab for students and clear differences can be seen between natural honey and adulterated products. We have only used the bulk honey and have never extracted the protein, although we do discuss this in lab. 

We typically weigh the honey on tin foil discs and bundle the sample up. I find using stable isotopes to identify the adulteration and woukd be happy to discuss this in further detail with you.

On Wed, May 19, 2021, 7:12 PM Joel Avrunin, <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Gregory,

 

The FDA in Cincinnati wrote a poster comparing EA-IRMS to the Picarro CRDS for detection of honey adulteration. There is a bit here on method development as well:

https://www.picarro.com/support/literature/a_comparison_of_irms_and_crds_for_the_detection_of_economic_adulteration_of

 

We also have a few app notes on using an EA with a CRDS for honey adulteration:

https://www.picarro.com/support/library/documents/an022_combustion_modulecrds_for_d13c_analysis_of_imported_honey_and

https://www.picarro.com/support/library/documents/picarros_combustion_modulecrds_provides_excellent_data_using_the_approved

 

One limitation on method – this will work for C4 adulterated samples such as those adulterated with Corn Syrup, but unfortunately won’t effective with those using sugars such as rice syrup.

 

 

From: Stable Isotope Geochemistry <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Howe, Stephen S
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 5:23 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [ISOGEOCHEM] EA-Honey analysis

 

Greg,

 

We analyzed a number of samples of honey and maple syrup using EA-IRMS to convincingly demonstrate the effect the addition of corn sweeteners had on the d13C values of unadulterated products at the University at Albany many years ago.  We never had any issues with viscous liquids such as these dribbling out of the tin cups.  If you run lots of samples, you’ll want to keep an eye on your water trap.

 

Steve

 



On May 19, 2021, at 11:50 AM, Cane, Gregory A <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

 

Has anyone ever tried analyzing honey via EA-IRMS? Is this at all advisable?

 

Regards,

 

Greg