CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF HONEY: A DUAL APPROACH TO ASSESS PESTICIDE PRESENCE AND QUALITY FROM NASHIK DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA

Abstract

Honey is a natural, nutrient- rich sweetener that offers many health advantages, making it a great choice for everyday meals. The chemical composition of honey plays a crucial role in determining its quality, authenticity, and health benefits. In India, the demand for honey is growing, with an average yearly consumption of 50- 150 grams per person, accounting for 3-5% of the world’s total honey usage. To increase profits, honey is frequently mixed with artificial additives, reducing its health benefits and potentially causing diabetes, toxicity or allergic reactions. It is very important to study the chemical components of honey from natural honey combs. This study investigates the chemical properties of honey, focusing on the identification of key compounds such as sugars, acids, proteins, enzymes, and trace elements that define its unique characteristics. Pesticide residues in food can pose the serious health hazards. The detection of pesticide residues in honey has become an increasing concern due to potential health risks and its implications for food safety and environmental protection. Therefore, studying pesticide contamination in honey is of great importance. This research investigates the presence of pesticide residue in honey samples from various regions of in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. Advanced analytical methods, such as Gas chromatography- Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), were employed to identify the chemical components of honey from different floral sources. The results indicate pesticide contamination in honey from areas with significant agricultural development. This study enhances our understanding of honey’s chemical composition, shedding light on its nutritional value. Additionally, it assesses the impact of pesticide contamination in honey from agricultural regions and emphasizes the need for improved testing protocol to protect consumers and promote more sustainable farming practices.