Study of the quality of bee honey commercialised in the State of RN

Honey is a natural substance made by bees from the nectar of flowers, has great market value, has been used by man as food because of its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Due to fraud and processing failures, it is necessary to monitor its quality in order to guarantee consumer health. In this sense, the main objective of the present study was to evaluate the quality of honey marketed in the state of RN, in the municipality of Caraúbas and its adequacy regarding the identity and quality standards stipulated by legislation. The samples were acquired in the local commerce of Caraúbas, transported to the Technology laboratory of UFERSA and UFCG, samples from different producers and brands were analysed. All samples were in accordance with the legislation, showing no dirt, fragments or insect larvae. However, the physicochemical analyses showed that 87% of the samples were in disagreement with the legislation in at least one quality item. It is suggested as a way to ensure the quality of honey produced and commercialised the implementation of Good Beekeeping Practices.