Honey DNA analysis is the most modern method for determining the purity, quality, and geographical origin of honey. This new method has been used for the first time on a large scale in Switzerland and Germany over the past two years.

Identification of botanical and geographical origin: 

DNA analyses help determine which plants the bees visited to produce the honey. It also reveals other materials that entered the hive through the surrounding flora (e.g., through pollen dispersal). The geographical, regional origin of the honey can then be verified by the plants growing in the respective place.

Purity, quality, and adulteration: 

DNA analyses can also reveal adulteration in honey or other negative substances that, for example, have entered the hive through the beekeeper. If honey is mixed with sugar syrup or other non-honey substances, it will have a completely different DNA profile than pure honey. It can also efficiently detect honey mixtures, for example, if low-quality honey from other regions has been mixed with local premium honey.