The use of stable isotopes for the characterization of honeys, their origin and adulteration

In general, plants used by bees as nectar sources belong to the C3-typ of photosynthetic CO2-fixation. As a consequence, honey mostly shows the delta13C-values of C3-plants. Addition of cane-sugar or corn-products ('isomerose syrup' or 'apireve') to the honey (or feeding these substances to bees) would change this delta13C-value. This allows a sensitive proof for the absence of such additions. The deltaD-values in the dry substance of honey may be used in special cases to identify the geographic origin of the honey