Preparation of honey samples for analysis

Honey, as a natural product, is a pure food source that is good for our health. However, the widespread use of crop protection agents, antibiotics and other such products means that honey may contain substances that have an adverse impact on its quality or which can

even be a potential health risk for humans. Honey is therefore subject to a wide range of analyses for quality assurance purposes and to protect consumers.

Despite the large number of parameters that are included in the analyses, the initial treatment of the honey is generally the same: The honey samples are taken from their containers and divided into aliquots. Extraction is then carried out and the extracts sent for analysis.

Laboratory centrifuges are used during the extraction procedure. A solvent is added to the sample and the substance to be detected enters the solvent and is separated from the other constituents of the sample through the centrifugation procedure. The supernatant is removed by pipette and analysed.