Research progress in multi-element composition and stable-isotope ratio in tracing origin of honey

With the development of living standards, consumers care more about the botanical and geographical origin of honey than adulteration. More and more researchers implemented the study of honey tracing. The application of multi-element composition and stable-isotope ratio used to trace the origin of honey from 2000to 2012 had been surveyed in this review. The application of atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in determining the contents of multi-elements and the isotope ratio mass spectrometry in determining the stable isotope ratio of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and sulphur for tracing the botanical and geographical origin of honey were introduced in detail. The prospect of multi-element composition and stable-isotope ratio that used to trace the origin of honey was also discussed.