Analytik NEWS
Online Laboratory Magazine
03/29/2024

03/06/2009

Rapid Test for HMF Determination in Honey

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Merck KGaA has developed the first rapid test to determine hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in honey. The HMF content in honey is an indicator of its freshness and authenticity. A high HMF value indicates impairment caused by excessive heating or during storage. National beekeeper associations in Europe, for example in Belgium, Italy and Germany, as well as the EU have stipulated strict HMF limits. With the new Reflectoquant® HMF test from Merck, it is now possible to determine quickly and reliably whether the limits have been adhered to.

Until now, only time-consuming laboratory tests such as the HPLC or Winkler methods were available to determine HMF. By contrast, the Reflectoquant® HMF test only takes a few minutes. After preparing the sample briefly - a small quantity of honey is diluted with distilled water in a ratio of 1:4 - the test strip only needs to be dipped into the sample and then analyzed in the RQflex reflectometer. The results show very good correlation with the standard methods, as confirmed by independent institutes. With the Reflectoquant® HMF test, Merck thus offers a reliable, fast and easy-to-use alternative to determine HMF in honey.

Source: Merck KGaA