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The FGBI “ARRIAH” researchers have completed the development of Russia’s first national standard regulating the method for detecting plant sugars in honey.

GOST R 72580-2026 "Honey. Method for Determination of C4 Sugars by Carbon Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry" was approved by the Rosstandart Order dated March 11, 2026. The standard comes into force on December 1, with the right of early application.

Until now, Russia lacked a unified regulatory document establishing requirements for detecting honey adulteration with sugar syrups and molasses derived from C4 plants (such as corn, sugar cane, and sorghum). Previously, laboratories relied on various internal protocols and methodologies, which hindered the comparability and objectivity of test results.

The new standard establishes uniform requirements for conducting analysis, processing results, and defining evaluation criteria for plant-derived sugars. Any concentration exceeding the established thresholds is considered an indicator of product adulteration.

The method is based on determining stable carbon isotope ratios within the whole honey and its protein fraction. In natural honey, the protein and carbohydrate components are formed simultaneously from a single source; therefore, their isotopic compositions match. A deviation in this isotope ratio indicates the addition of plant-derived sugars or syrups, confirming the product adulteration.

The introduction of GOST R 72580-2026 expands the capabilities of state regulatory bodies, testing laboratories, and producers to objectively assess the quality of bee products, ultimately enhancing market transparency.