DSTU 4497:2005 “Natural honey” is the Ukrainian national standard covering natural honey intended for food consumption and industrial processing. This standard establishes the classification, quality requirements, testing methods, packaging, labeling, and storage rules for natural bee honey.
Classification
The standard classifies natural honey by botanical origin (monofloral — from a single predominant plant source such as acacia, linden, sunflower, or buckwheat; and polyfloral — from multiple plant sources), by method of production (comb honey, extracted/centrifuged honey, pressed honey), and by color (light, medium, dark).
Key quality requirements
DSTU 4497:2005 specifies requirements for:
- Organoleptic properties: appearance, color, aroma, taste, and consistency appropriate for the declared botanical origin
- Moisture content: not more than 21% (lower for premium grades)
- Reducing sugars: minimum limits to confirm natural origin
- Sucrose content: maximum limits (excessive sucrose may indicate adulteration or feeding bees with sugar syrup)
- Diastase number: minimum activity level indicating proper processing and storage (low diastase suggests overheating)
- Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF): maximum limit — elevated HMF indicates heat damage or prolonged storage
- Acidity, ash content, and insoluble matter: within specified limits
- Adulteration indicators: absence of artificial sweeteners, starch, and other adulterants
This summary is provided for informational purposes. For an officially certified copy, contact your regional Derzhstandart office.