Determination of Naphthalene in Honey: Food Safety and Analysis Methods

Why Determination of Naphthalene in Honey?

Honey is enjoyed worldwide as a natural and healthy food. However, environmental factors or improper practices during production, processing and storage can affect the purity of honey. Contamination of honey with harmful chemical compounds such as naphthalene (mothballs) can threaten consumer health and pose a significant food safety concern.

What is naphthalene and why can it be found in honey?

Naphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) commonly used in moth repellents, solvents and chemicals. As a toxic substance, naphthalene is a compound that should never be found in food products due to its harmful effects on human health.

Naphthalene Sources in Honey:

Storage Mistakes: Use of moth repellents in areas where honey is stored.
Environmental Contamination: Environmental naphthalene contamination in areas where hives are located.
Production Process: Use of improperly treated equipment or materials.

Effects of Naphthalene on Human Health

Naphthalene may cause toxic effects with prolonged exposure:

Liver and Kidney Damage: These organs may be damaged by accumulation of naphthalene metabolites in the body.
Carcinogenic Effects: Naphthalene is classified as a “probable carcinogen” by IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer).
Acute Poisoning Symptoms: Symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.

Mothballs in Honey Control and Preventive Measures

Inspection of Storage Areas: The use of moth repellents containing naphthalene should be avoided in food storage areas.
Environmental Analysis: The presence of environmental contaminants in the areas where the hives are placed should be checked regularly.
Review of Production Processes: Check the suitability of honey processing equipment and packaging materials.
Regular Analyses: Routine analysis for chemical contaminants such as naphthalene should be carried out.

Determination of naphthalene in honey is of great importance for food safety. Thanks to advanced technological analysis methods, the purity of honey is determined and both consumer health is protected and product quality is ensured. The more careful behavior of producers in storage and production processes ensures that honey reaches the consumer in a healthy way by preserving its natural structure.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Determination of Naphthalene in Honey. We also provide services on HMF Analysis in Honey.

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