HONEY QUALITY CONTROL IN WEST KAZAKHSTAN REGION: VETERINARY AND SANITARY EXPERTISE AS A KEY TO PRODUCT SAFETY

This paper presents the results of honey quality research and diagnostics of bee diseases in the West Kazakhstan region. The research was conducted in laboratories of West Kazakhstan Agrarian-Technical University named after Zhangir Khan, West Kazakhstan Republican Veterinary Laboratory and East Kazakhstan Republican Veterinary Laboratory. Within the framework of the work 65 samples of honey and bee families from different districts of the region were analyzed. Research methods included organoleptic and physico-chemical evaluation of honey, analysis of its composition for the content of heavy metals, as well as diagnosis of bee diseases (varroatosis, nosema, acarapidosis). Determination of honey quality was carried out in accordance with GOST state standards, and detection of heavy metal content was carried out using modern analytical methods. Laboratory studies showed that all 65 samples of honey met the requirements of GOST on organoleptic and physicochemical parameters. Heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, lead and cadmium) were detected in 65 samples, but their concentrations did not exceed the maximum permissible values. The results of diagnostics of bee diseases showed that the level of infestation with varroatosis, nosema and acarapidosis was less than 10%, which corresponds to a negative result. However, despite this, regular monitoring of apiaries is recommended to prevent possible outbreaks of infectious diseases. The results obtained can be used to develop preventive measures to control honey quality and improve the sanitary and veterinary condition of apiaries in the region.