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Complete a comparison of a typical HPLC method and the UV method of White, involving the preparation of preliminary test samples and method comparison.<p>
Assessment of HPLC methods to determine most robust and selective method, including the definition of most suitable sample pre-treatment, clean-up, chromatography and detection methods. After thorough assessment, a draft SOP in ISO format will be produced.<p>
In-house method validation of proposed method, validation data and measurement uncertainty calculations will be available.
The European Honey Directive and the Revised Codex Standard for Honey specify standards for honey, which include criteria for quality factors including moisture, acidity and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) concentration.
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HMF is a sugar breakdown product. Its presence was once considered to be a marker for the adulteration of honey with commercial invert syrup, however it has since been found that HMF can occur naturally in honey through improper heat processing or extended storage. As such, HMF is used as indicator of honey quality since it increases with temperature and storage time.
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The EU Honey Directive 2001/110 and the Honey (England) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/2243) state maximum levels of HMF in different honey types. The measurement of HMF is therefore of importance in determining honey quality and compliance with regulations.
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Both spectroscopic and chromatographic methods can be used for the determination of the HMF content of honey, however, problems have been reported for spectroscopic methods. These include the use of carcinogenic reagents, and the fact the methods are non-specific and therefore measure components in honey that are not HMF leading to overestimates of HMF content.
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Interference problems can occur and steps to reduce this such as filtration or clarification have been used. A method that separates the HMF from other components in the honey would allow more accurate measurement of HMF to be made.
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This project aims to compare the White spectroscopic method and chromatographic (HPLC) methods for HMF determination.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food
Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.