Contribution of dynamic headspace GC-MS analysis of aroma compounds to authenticity testing of honey

The volatile profiles of 43 authentic honey samples of different botanical and geographical origins were obtained by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A qualitative analysis of the volatile compounds identified w as performed in order to assess the marker compounds (if/when existing) for both botanical and geographical origin. The results seem to indicate the e xistence of certain marker compounds for the floral origins assessed (e.g. acacia, chestnut, eucalyptus, heather, lavender, lime, rape, rosemary and s unflower). Also such compounds for two geographical origins (e.g. Denmark a nd England) seem to exist and possible marker compounds could also be found for the honeys from The Netherlands, Spain and Portugal. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.