Evaluating Honey Quality at Different Market Points in Adama District and Adama Town, Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to evaluate the quality of honey produced in Adama District and Adama Town at different market points. Moreover, a total of 23 honey samples were collected from beekeepers and different market points and used for quality analyses. The ash content, free acidity, and pH value of all honey samples were found within the limits of the national standards. Except for the honey samples collected from on-street (24.62±0.67), minimarket (23.23±0.58) and retailer (22.60±0.58) the moisture contents of honey samples were within the national standards. The fructose and glucose contents of the samples were in the ranges of the national standards, whereas any of the samples complied with the national sucrose content standard. High sucrose content was observed in the samples obtained from retailers (32.23±1.78%) and on-street (31.90±2.06%) market points. In general, the results of this study indicated that there is an overall honey quality problem in the sampled area. However, the level of the problem is more inclined towards the on-street and minimarket areas. Thus, honey market legislation is needed in the area in particular and in the country in general to protect honey consumers and other stakeholders involved in the honey market value chain.