Chemical, hygienical and sanitary aspects of Italian and foreign honey - proposal of qualitative standards for a "high quality" honey

The survey carried out on Italian and foreign honey showed qualitative diff erences, mainly to diastase activity, water and hydroxymethylfural (HMF) co ntent. Foreign honey showed an higher presence df yeasts together with an w ater content; however, 50% of Italian is contaminated with tetracyclin; it is re necessary further information and formation of beekeepers concerning the problems related to residues. The Authors propose mom restrictive chemi cal parameters compared to those provided for by law, and microbiological p arameters concerning qualification and marketing of "high quality" honey.