Evaluation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) levels in Honey Produced in Western Libya

Abstract

Eighteen honey samples were collected from the local market of Libyan cities (Zawya, Zahra, Al jable- Al ghrbi, Surmman, Sabratha, Al-Ajeelat, Zuwara, Al-Jameel), at the period between 10/2/2019 to 3/3/2019. Three types of honey were collected from the different regions (Rabiee, Sader, and Zater) to evaluation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) levels in samples. Samples were prepared in the chemistry laboratory of the faculty of science at the University of Sabratha, the determination of HMF was performed in Zawia medical research center using the white method, which is based on UV-Vis Spectroscopy measurement at wavelengths of 284nm and 336nm, and the results were compared with Libyan Standard No. 1988. Results showed that the concentration of the MHF in the eighteen samples were within the allowed range according to the Libyan standard specification. The highest levels of the MHF level found in the Rabiee Honey (6.60 ±19.55 mg/kg) and Sader Honey (5.54±13.45 mg/kg).While the lowest levels of MHF was found in Zater Honey (1.82 ±7.13 mg/kg).