Physicochemical properties and detection of glucose syrup adulterated Kelulut (Heterotrigona itama) honey using Near‐Infrared spectroscopy

In this study, the physicochemical properties and the precision of adulterated honey detection by NIRS were assessed. A total of 11 adulteration ratio samples were produced with glucose syrup. The ash and moisture content of the honey samples were found to be in accordance with the Malaysian Standard, including all adulterated ones. The pH value and HMF content complied with the standard except for the pH of 100% adulterated honey and HMF content of 30–100% adulteration. NIR spectra were scanned at 900–1700 nm, 1848 spectra were recorded, and the data were pre‐processed to reduce the unwanted spectral interference. Chemometric techniques and machine learning were used as prediction tools for adulteration levels. This includes principal component analysis (PCA), k‐nearest neighbors (kNN) and random forest. The accuracy of the prediction samples was above 90%. Hence, this was satisfactory for rapid detection of Kelulut honey adulteration. Novelty impact statement Kelulut honey is becoming increasingly popular and in‐demand due to its health advantages. Kelulut honey adulteration is more likely as a result of this. The NIRS can detect Kelulut honey adulteration more quickly than any other method with greater efficiency and reliability. Honey adulteration may be detected rapidly and non‐destructively using NIRS and chemometrics. The results demonstrate that employing this technology as a screening method in routine laboratories might be useful for quality control assessments.