Mass Spectrometric Detection of High-Fructose Corn Sirup in Honey by Use of 13C/12C Ratio: Collaborative Study

Abstract

Mass spectrometry is used to determine the 13C/12C/ratios in honey products. The 13C/12C ratios in domestic and imported honeys are sufficiently consistent and different from those of high-fructose corn sirups (HFCSs) so that the presence of added HFCS in honey can be demonstrated. Average values of δ13C of —25.4%0 (parts per thousand) for 119 honey samples and —9.7%0 for 4 HFCSs were found. δ13C values of mixtures are the weighted sum of the 813C values of the components. In a collaborative study, 4 honey-HFCS mixtures and 1 pure honey sample were correctly identified by 6 laboratories. The method has been adopted as official first action.