Quality of bee honey sold in Caraúbas - RN

Honey is a natural product with great market value, obtained from the transformation of plant nectar, with high nutritional value and great importance for human health. Due to flaws in processing and contamination fraud, honey is exposed to dangers that can cause fermentation and deteriorate it. With this in mind, the main aim of this study was to assess the physico-chemical and microbiological quality of honey sold in the municipality of Caraúbas and its compliance with the identity and quality standards stipulated by legislation. The samples were purchased from the local shops in Caraúbas and transported to the Technology laboratory at UFERSA and UFCG, where samples from different producers and brands were analysed. The physico-chemical analyses showed that the samples presented results in line with the indices stipulated by the legislation, but the microbiological analyses showed some non-compliant results, mainly in terms of moulds and yeasts. The implementation of Good Beekeeping Practices is suggested as a way of ensuring the quality of the honey produced and marketed.