Mineral and heavy metal variations and contaminations in raw honey of stingless bees, Heterotrigona itama, from selected geographical areas of origin in Malaysia

Bellericter Binjamin, . and Mohd Iftar Johwan Johny @ Hasbullah, . and Kimberly Ador, . and Januarius Gobilik, . and Fui, Clament Seung Chin and Mok, Sam Lum and Nurul’azah Mohd Yaakub, . and Suzan Benedick, . (2024) Mineral and heavy metal variations and contaminations in raw honey of stingless bees, Heterotrigona itama, from selected geographical areas of origin in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition (Malaysia), 30 (3). pp. 403-415. ISSN 1394 – 035X

Introduction: Honey contains a complex matrix of different substances consisting of essential minerals, non-nutritive substances, and toxins, often due to environmental sources. The objectives of this study were i) to investigate the variation of mineral and heavy metal content in honey samples of Heterotrigona itama from different geographical origins, and ii) to evaluate the nutritional quality and safety of honey from different floral sources for human consumption. Methods: A total of 75 samples of raw H. itama honey were collected from 11 sites in Sabah, two sites in Sarawak, and two sites in Peninsular Malaysia. The mineral and heavy metal contents of honey were determined in triplicate using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: There were significant differences in the composition of essential minerals and heavy metals in the honey samples according to geographical origins (p<0.001). All honey samples tested were below the permitted maximum proportion (ML) for cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) specified in the Malaysian Food Act 1983 for honey. However, all honey samples exceeded the ML for Pb set by Codex, with samples from bamboo sites having the highest levels for Pb. Conclusion: The composition of minerals and heavy metals in stingless bee honey was influenced by geographical origin. All measured Pb concentrations were above the ML value set by Codex, which raises concerns about possible toxicological risks to human health. Given the toxic nature of Pb in the environment, the measured concentrations emphasise the importance of monitoring Pb in honey from stingless bees.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://maljnutr.org.my/publication/30-3/Vol%2030(...

Abstract

Introduction: Honey contains a complex matrix of different substances consisting of essential minerals, non-nutritive substances, and toxins, often due to environmental sources. The objectives of this study were i) to investigate the variation of mineral and heavy metal content in honey samples of Heterotrigona itama from different geographical origins, and ii) to evaluate the nutritional quality and safety of honey from different floral sources for human consumption. Methods: A total of 75 samples of raw H. itama honey were collected from 11 sites in Sabah, two sites in Sarawak, and two sites in Peninsular Malaysia. The mineral and heavy metal contents of honey were determined in triplicate using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: There were significant differences in the composition of essential minerals and heavy metals in the honey samples according to geographical origins (p<0.001). All honey samples tested were below the permitted maximum proportion (ML) for cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) specified in the Malaysian Food Act 1983 for honey. However, all honey samples exceeded the ML for Pb set by Codex, with samples from bamboo sites having the highest levels for Pb. Conclusion: The composition of minerals and heavy metals in stingless bee honey was influenced by geographical origin. All measured Pb concentrations were above the ML value set by Codex, which raises concerns about possible toxicological risks to human health. Given the toxic nature of Pb in the environment, the measured concentrations emphasise the importance of monitoring Pb in honey from stingless bees.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	honey
AGROVOC Term:	minerals
AGROVOC Term:	heavy metals
AGROVOC Term:	cadmium
AGROVOC Term:	lead
AGROVOC Term:	analysis
AGROVOC Term:	Melipona
AGROVOC Term:	food safety
AGROVOC Term:	contamination
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Uncontrolled Keywords:	geographical origin, heavy metals, Heterotrigona itama, honey, minerals
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	27 Jul 2026 06:53
Last Modified:	27 Jul 2026 06:53
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/4126

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