Pinoy Pharmacy

Honey is primarily composed of fructose, glucose and water. It also contains other sugars as well trace enzymes, minerals, vitamins and amino acids. The color and flavor of honey differ depending on the bees' nectar source (the blossoms)

Honey is "manufactured" in one of the world's most efficient factories, the beehive.
In addition to gathering nectar to produce honey, honey bees perform a vital second function - pollination. About one-third of the human diet is derived from insect-pollinated plants, and honey bees are responsible for 80 percent of this pollination.

Pollination is the fertilization of a flowering plant. It occurs when pollen is transferred from the anthers of a flower to the ovules of that or another flower. Honey bees are responsible for pollinating a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes and more.

What is the problem in honey?
Honey once stored in warm or hot condition will breakdown into a simple sugar. Upon long term storage hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is increase depending on the pH of honey and on the storage temperature. HydroxyMethylFurfural is an aldehyde, whose molecule is illustrated at right, which can be used as an indicator of honey quality limits are set by food standard agencies. High levels of HMF (greater than 100 mg/kg) can be an indicator of possible adulteration of the product.

Should we consider locally manufactured honey to be adultered if stored in room temperature? I think the best answer is that, Stability may be compromised and shortened if stored in normal room temperature. A standard of 2 year may be applied for freshly prepared honey. Honey is best stored between 18-25 Degree Celsius for maximum shelf life requirements.

I know honey is not on our list mga pinoy pharmacist. But I have think we should let the public realized how important the degradation of honey over a period of time. Doing so, may help them in determining that before buying and Honey is not forever be stable and we should correct the connotation here in the Philippines.

Honey sold freely in the market without label may considered by adulterated. Shelf life is not indicated so as the important information. Bureau if Food and Drugs should strictly implement the regulation on this issue.