Investigation of foreign amylase adulteration in honey distributed in Japan by rapid and improved native PAGE activity staining method

Foreign amylase addition to honey in an effort disguise diastase activity has become a widespread form of food fraud. However, since there is no report on the investigation Japan, we investigated foreign amylases 67 commercial honeys Japan. First, α-glucosidase and activities were measured, which revealed that only was significantly low several samples. As both enzymes are secreted from honeybee glands, it unlikely one enzyme inactivated during processing. Therefore, suspected presence amylase. α-Amylase assigned using protein analysis software based LC-QTOF-MS. result, α-amylases Aspergillus Geobacillus detected 13 6 out honeys, respectively. To detect easily, developed cost-effective method native PAGE. Conventional PAGE failed separate α-amylase derived Geobacillus. when performed gel containing 1% maltodextrin, did not migrated could be separated other two α-amylases. The results this consistent with those LC-QTOF-MS method, suggesting novel can used amylases.