Análise de qualidade do mel produzido por pequenos produtores da região oeste do Paraná

Abstract

This study evaluated the quality of honey produced by small rural producers in municipalities in western Paraná through specific physicochemical analyses. The objective was to verify the product's conformity with the standards required for human consumption and commercialization. Samples were collected from different local producers in São Pedro do Iguaçu and Diamante do Oeste, all without prior quality control. In the laboratory, the samples were subjected to the following analyses: determination of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), determination of reducing sugars, Lugol's test, Fiehe's test, moisture analysis, and mid-infrared spectrophotometry (MIR), aiming to identify impurities, possible adulterations, and evaluate essential quality parameters. The results were compared to the specifications established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA). It was observed that samples 2 and 6 presented a moisture content higher than permitted, being considered unsuitable for direct consumption, although suitable for conditional use or industrial use. The other samples remained within the regulatory limits. Thus, the study confirmed the quality of most of the honeys analyzed and will provide beekeepers with reliable information for safe consumption and strengthening local marketing.