Abstract: The nutritional composition and market value of honey are determined by its floral variety and geographical origin. In order to ensure the nutritional quality of honey, it is extremely important to establish effective methods for the identification of honey traceability. The aim of this article is to review the commonly used methods reported in the literature for honey traceability including identification of pollen and chemical components. Herein we summarize the characteristic markers for honey traceability such as volatile compounds, phenolics, sugar, nitrogen compounds and other trace elements. Hopefully, this review will provide useful information for accurate traceability of honey in the future.

Key words: honey traceability, pollen identification, characteristic markers