Honey Not Altered by Gamma Radiation Sterilization

Effect of Gamma Radiation on Honey Quality Control
Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Volume 78, Issues 7-8, July-August 2009, Pages 583-584

Honey is one of the most complex substances produced by bees, mainly from the nectar of flowers. Gamma radiation is a technique that can be used to decrease the number of microbiological problems associated with food and increase the shelf life of certain products.

The objective of this study was to verify the effect of gamma radiation with source of cobalto-60 (10 kGy) on some parameters used in honey quality control. Seven samples of pure honey were obtained from local markets in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2007. The methods used are in accordance with Brazilian Regulations. The physicochemical parameters analyzed were: moisture, HMF, free acidity, pH, sugars and ash.

The results showed that gamma radiation, in the dose mentioned above, did not cause significant physicochemical alterations.