China- Chinese police have confiscated close to 500kg of fake honey that has reportedly been produced in the region of Chongqing.
What is fake honey, you ask? Artificial honey is a mixture of water, sugar, alum powder and colouring and the forgers have been selling it for 40 to 60 Chinese Yuan per kilo.
Why is this relevant? China is currently the world’s biggest producer of honey and exports huge quantities across the world – so the next time you slather a layer of sweet bee nectar on your hot buttered toast, just be sure to check that the honey is actually real honey.
You may laugh but a recent study has revealed that 10% of the “honey” consumed in France is actually fake honey. And if there’s anyone that knows their food, it’s the French!
There are ways however of checking to see whether you’ve got a fake on your hands or not. This article by the South China Morning Post suggests that you should smell the honey. Real honey will have a scent of flowers, and fake honey will emit more of a chemical smell and possibly a strong fruity aroma.