C4 sugar testing is now standard
Honey adulteration with C4 sugars (rice syrup, corn syrup) is widespread. Top-quartile bottlers run C4 isotope tests routinely. Brands should require batch-level C4 reports.
§ KEY TAKEAWAYS
- 01Demand batch-level C4 sugar test reports
- 02Plate-heat exchanger size dictates throughput
- 03Glass jar formats common; squeezable PET premium
- 04Crystallisation prevention is the storage-stability spec
§ GLOSSARY
Technical jargon, acronyms and scientific terms used in this file — decoded.
- Hot fill
- Filling product at 85–95 °C to sterilise the headspace and create a vacuum seal.
- C4 sugar test
- Isotope-ratio mass spectrometry to detect adulteration with C4-plant sugars (corn, sugarcane).
- Plate-heat exchanger
- Compact stack of metal plates for heating or cooling viscous fluids without burning.
- HMF
- Hydroxymethylfurfural — a heating-damage marker in honey; FSSAI caps at 80 mg/kg.
- Diastase activity
- Enzyme activity measure; quality marker for unprocessed natural honey.
