Honey Adulteration and Contamination: Impacts on Nutritional and Medicinal Value

Honey has long been recognized for its complex nutritional composition and therapeutic potential, attributable to its naturally occurring vitamins, antioxidants, and other bioactive constituents. In recent years, however, concerns about adulteration and contamination have intensified, raising serious questions about the quality and authenticity of honey available on the market. This systematic review synthesizes global evidence on honey adulteration and contamination, evaluates how these practices affect the nutritional profile and pharmacological properties of honey, and discusses their implications for the honey-producing sectors, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and conflict-affected areas. Many such countries face constraints, including weak regulatory enforcement, limited quality-control systems, and inadequate analytical laboratory capacity, which collectively impede sectoral growth and competitiveness. Drawing on a broad range of peer-reviewed publications and technical reports, the review discusses common adulterants (including sugar syrups and artificial sweeteners) and contaminants (such as pesticides, heavy metals, and antibiotic residues). It also assesses the applicability and performance of analytical methods, including chromatographic, spectroscopic, and molecular-based techniques, for detecting these quality defects. Importantly, no primary laboratory studies quantifying adulteration and contamination in Afghan honey were identified; therefore, information on Afghanistan is used only as a qualitative, contextual example rather than as a source of analytical data. The evidence indicates that uncontrolled adulteration and contamination not only compromise honey’s therapeutic efficacy but also erode consumer confidence and undermine market sustainability. To support long-term sectoral development, the review highlights the need for more robust regulatory frameworks, targeted investment in quality-assurance and testing infrastructure, and structured technical training for beekeepers and honey processors in low- and middle-income settings