ABSTRACT
In this study we evaluated the quality of honey samples obtained from farms and markets in Benin City, Ekpoma and Okada in Edo State. Heavy metal and light metal composition and physicochemical analysis of these samples were carried out using standard methods, and the results were compared with standard methods from Codex Alimentarius Commission and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. The range of the various parameters are 3.52-4.36 for pH, 59.12%-80.93% for total solids, 29.5-80.7meq/kg for free acidity. These parameters are within the acceptable standards. Some of the samples exceeded the standard values, FA3 had the highest value for free acidity(80.7). The heavy and light metals that were analyzed are Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na) and Magnesium (Mg) in each honey sample. It was analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS). The concentration ranging from 1.00-5.67µg/g, 0.00-1.00µg/g, 120.00-496.67µg/g, 26.67-100.00µg/g, 528.33-3075.33µg/g, 227.33- 445.00µg/g, 1100.00-21.40.00µg/g, and 38.67-70.33µg/g in Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe, K, Na, Ca and Mg respectively. K, Na and Ca were the most abundant light metals. Pb and Cu had the lowest concentrations. Results obtained are in agreement with the permissible limits of the World Health Organization. These samples according to Codex Alimentarius Commission are suitable for human consumption.
