Digital Eyes on Honey - Ensuring Authenticity in the Food Chain (Watson White Paper)

Ensuring honey authenticity has become a priority in the global food industry, as adulteration with cheaper sugars and mislabeling of botanical origin undermines consumer confidence and damage producer credibility. Portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technologies provide rapid, non-destructive, and reliable tools for on-site detection of food adulteration. This study, part of the European project Watson, assessed the performance of several portable NIR and HSI devices across different measurement modes and configurations as part of a pilot in honey. These findings highlight the potential of portable spectroscopic technologies to enhance the capabilities of regulatory agencies, quality control laboratories, and producers in verifying honey purity and authenticity.