Advanced NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) testing is one of the most reliable scientific methods to verify the purity and quality of honey. It is widely used by international laboratories and was a key method in the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) honey investigation.
1. What NMR Testing Does
NMR works like a chemical fingerprint scanner. Pure honey has a natural and complex sugar profile based on its nectar source, while adulterated honey contains industrial sugar syrups. NMR detects both known and unknown adulterants, even those designed to bypass conventional tests.
2. How NMR Testing of Honey Is Done
Step 1: Sample Preparation
A small quantity of honey (5–10 g) is dissolved in deuterated water and filtered.
Step 2: NMR Spectroscopy
The sample is analyzed using an NMR spectrometer, which measures signals from glucose, fructose, sucrose, minor sugars, organic acids, and marker compounds.
Step 3: Comparison with Global Honey Database
The spectrum is compared with a large database of authentic honey samples covering various floral and geographic origins.
Step 4: Detection of Adulteration
NMR can detect rice syrup, corn syrup, beet sugar, invert sugar, and other sophisticated adulterants.
3. Parameters Evaluated by NMR
- Sugar profile
- Minor chemical compounds
- Botanical consistency
- Geographic authenticity
- Estimated adulteration percentage
4. Why NMR Is Superior
Unlike basic regulatory tests and isotope tests (IRMS), NMR can detect advanced and modified sugar syrups.
5. Laboratories Performing NMR Testing
International labs such as Eurofins, Intertek, QSI Bremen, and Bruker Honey Profiling Labs perform NMR testing. Access in India is limited.
6. Consumer Perspective
NMR testing is not practical for individual consumers. Buyers should prefer brands that disclose NMR testing, offer traceability, and avoid unrealistically cheap products.
7. Conclusion
NMR testing is currently the gold standard for detecting honey adulteration and ensuring authenticity.