Análises físico - químicas e de adulteração dos méis comercializados na feira livre do município de Cuité - PB.

Abstract

Honey can be defined as a substance produced by bees, mainly belonging to the genus Apis, formed from the nectar of flowers or plants. Considered a food widely consumed around the world, this product can be commercialized in several places such as open fairs. The present study aims to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and the adulteration of honeys commercialized in the open market of the city of Cuité-PB. Ten random honey samples were collected, and then analyzed for physical parameters, physical-chemical (moisture, water activity, reducing sugars, ash, color, acidity and pH), besides Lugol and Fiehe tests. According to the data obtained, 70% of the samples were consistent with the standards required by Brazilian legislation, while 30% of the samples showed results above the allowed for moisture and/or total acidity. Regarding Lugol and Fiehe tests, all samples showed negative results, indicating that there was no adulteration in the honey. The parameters color, water activity and pH, which do not have standards established by the legislation in force, were in agreement with the results described in the literature. In general, the results found in this study were satisfactory, even in a scenario where the strict quality control and adequate inspection present challenges, as is the case of open-air markets.