Honey Metagenomic DNA Analysis - MDA test

What is honey MDA?

What does the Honey Metagenomic DNA Analysis (MDA) show?

Honey plants

Identification of plants in honey DNA analysis

  • All plants whose gene sequences are in world databases are identified.
  • The average honey sample contains traces of DNA from tens or hundreds of plant species; pollen plants, nectar plants and honeydew plants.
  • The amount and selection of plants found in the honey depends on the richness of species in the collection area, collection preferences of the bees, weather, etc.

How does honey DNA analysis work?

Honeybee pathogens and parasites

Determination of bee pathogens and parasites

  • Pathogens and parasites associated with bees are identified, including bacteria, fungi, and arthropods.
  • 20 essential pathogens and parasites were selected for honey DNA analysis. The list can be found HERE.

What can be found out with honey DNA analysis?

Authenticity and quality of honey

Detection of honey adulteration

Each honey has a unique composition and does not resemble entirely to any other honey. The DNA profiles of authentic honeys with naturally diverse compositions share certain common patterns. Significant deviations in honey DNA profiles are identified using a machine-learning method of data analysis. Therefore, changes and manipulations with the honey DNA profile are easily detectable.

Mee DNA Analüüs (MDA) TEST

Advantages of honey DNA metagenomic analysis

The MDA test analyzes entire DNA contained in the honey, which opens a significantly wider view of the sample than, for example, PCR or DNA barcoding tests.

The MDA test detects the presence of DNA traces of more than 100,000 different species of plants, bacteria, fungi, insects, mammals, etc. in the honey sample.

In addition to pollen plants, MDA also detects nectar and honeydew plants, and DNA traces of bee pathogens or parasites.

To analyze the DNA profile of honey, 1-20 million DNA sequences are created, which provides comprehensive information about the honey sample.

The DNA profile of each honey is unique and cannot be imitated artificially. During MDA, machine learning methods are used to detect deviations from DNA profiles of previously analyzed authentic (reference) honeys.

The power of honey DNA test in numbers

The number of DNA sequences per sample

10-20 million

The number of species that can be identified (plants, bacteria, fungi, arthropods etc.)

10,000+

Plant species whose DNA can be detected with the test

5,000+

The most important honey bee pathogens and parasites

20

The result report of honey DNA analysis is sent electronically in two files:

Mee DNA Analüüs (MDA) TEST

Ordering MDA test

  • The MDA test can be ordered by a private person, a self-employed person, a nonprofit association, or a company.
  • 100 g of honey is required for the test.
  • After the ordering we will send out the order form and sample collection instructions.

Our client may use the DNA-proof label when marketing honey. The client may only use the label on honey batches tested by Celvia CC and certified as authentic. The label in English is part of the analysis report. Other languages ​​are available upon request.

Kaarel Krjutškov PhD

Head of Laboratory, CEO

Diana Lanevskaja

Quality Manager

Kristel Paabo

Specialist

Priit Paluoja PhD

Head of Data Management

Sigrid Yildiz

Laboratory Specialist
The initial development and research of the honey DNA test in 2020-2023 has been supported, among other funds, by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the "Estonian Rural Development Plan 2014-2020“.