The Youths for Apiculture Initiative (YFAI) has raised concerns over the growing issue of honey adulteration in Nigeria and shared practical tips to help consumers identify genuine, unadulterated honey for better health.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday in Lagos, Mr. Kingsley Nwaogu, National President of YFAI and CEO of Makizi Raw Honey, highlighted the challenge consumers face in distinguishing real honey from fake ones.
He noted that while laboratory testing remains the most accurate method of verifying the authenticity of honey, it is not always accessible to the average consumer. As a result, YFAI has developed a few simple physical indicators to help identify pure honey.
“One major indicator is the colour—pure honey typically has a golden hue,” Nwaogu explained. “However, the surrounding vegetation where the bees forage can influence both the colour and nutritional content of the honey. Generally, pure honey is neither overly thick nor excessively dark.”
Mr. Kingsley Nwaogu further explained that another simple method for identifying pure honey is what he called the “after-sugar taste” check. According to him, genuine honey does not leave a lingering sugary taste in the mouth.
“When you take pure honey, the sweetness fades almost immediately after consumption,” he said.
He added that the third indicator is its viscosity—not necessarily how thick it is, but how it flows. “Authentic honey flows in a steady, consistent stream. It doesn’t break or drip unevenly like engine oil,” Nwaogu noted.
To address the spread of fake honey in the market, Nwaogu said the Youths for Apiculture Initiative has introduced measures to help consumers identify legitimate producers. One of these is the issuance of unique identification numbers to certified beekeepers.
“As part of our effort to curb the distribution of adulterated honey, we regularly train new entrants in modern beekeeping practices,” he said. “We also provide verified honey producers with ID cards that carry a unique number. Consumers are encouraged to ask for this ID when purchasing honey.”
He advised buyers to confirm the authenticity of both the honey and the producer by verifying the beekeeper’s association membership. “Consumers should always ask questions and ensure they know the origin of the honey they are buying, and that it comes from a trustworthy source,” he concluded.
The chairman emphasized the importance of traceability, urging consumers to ensure they can verify the source of the honey they purchase.
He noted that the local honey value chain has the potential for significant growth—provided that producers remain committed to honest and ethical practices.
“We can boost the production of pure, unadulterated honey locally by encouraging more people to take up beekeeping,” he said. “However, there’s also a need to reorient new and existing farmers to prioritize quality. Adulterated honey will never qualify for export markets.”
According to him, beekeepers must approach the business with a focus on public health rather than solely on profit. “The real issue is that many honey sellers are not invested in creating value or providing high-quality products for consumers’ well-being,” he noted.
He stressed the need for widespread awareness campaigns and education, pointing out that beekeeping is not just about harvesting honey, but also plays a vital role in increasing agricultural productivity by supporting the pollination of crops and wild plants.
