Simple, Robust and High-throughput Analysis of Organic acids in Honey Using LC-MS/MS

Introduction

Honey being a natural energy booster packed with healthy carbohydrates for quick, clean energy. It also has medicinal properties where it soothes coughs & throats. Acts as a natural, thick demulcent to calm irritation. Rich in antioxidants, contains bioactive plant compounds that support overall health. Supports skin healing, natural antibacterial properties help soothe minor burns and wounds. Being an universal remedy product, it makes the honey manufactures compulsive to maintain the quality of the honey. One of the parameter that decides the quality of honey is Organic acids. The determination of organic acids in honey is critical for assessing product quality, freshness, authenticity, and botanical and geographical origin. Major organic acids, including gluconic, citric, and malic acids, contribute significantly to the sensory characteristics, stability, and overall quality of honey. Their compositional profiles also provide valuable information for the detection of spoilage and adulteration with sugar syrups. Certain organic acids serve as important indicators of honey quality and processing conditions. Organic acid profiling has also proven effective for distinguishing nectar honey from honeydew honey, detecting sugar adulteration, and authenticating floral origin. Elevated levels of acetic acid, for example, are commonly associated with yeast fermentation and inadequate storage practices. Furthermore, formic acid is widely applied in apiculture for the control of Varroa mites, necessitating residue monitoring to ensure consumer safety. Pyruvic acid has likewise been reported as a useful marker for the differentiation of unifloral honey varieties. Various analytical techniques have been explored for quantifying these parameters for the quality and authenticity of honey samples[1]. In response to increasingly stringent regulatory requirements for honey quality and authenticity testing, this study aimed to develop a sensitive and reliable analytical method for the trace-level determination of organic acids in honey. The proposed method utilizes a simple liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) procedure coupled with LC–MS/MS analysis and achieves a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.20 ppm and LOD of 0.025 ppm.

September 8, 2026 GMT