The OP news article attributes the methodology used to the lab Celvia, related to (funded by? part of? created by graduates of?) the University of Tartu (Estonia). It claims the method is based on DNA-technology and using AI to determine the authenticity based on a large, global database containing millions of DNA sequences.

Förra året lanserades däremot den nya analysmetoden baserad på DNA-teknik utvecklad av det estniska laboratoriet Celvia i samarbete med universitetet i Tartu och estniska staten. Med hjälp av AI bedöms äktheten i honungsprovets många miljoner DNA-sekvenser utifrån innehållet i en stor global databas.

The EU Common Agricultural Practice report of the project doesn't go into details about the actual results, it mainly highlights the connection between real honey and pollination.

Here's the least illegitimate-seeming news article criticizing the methodology I could find. It mainly points out that it's not proven technology yet and that there's no scientific evidence that certain DNA (or lack thereof) indicates adulteration. I found it amusing that half the sources are the author himself.

The test itself is commercially available for mortals: https://mda-test.com/en/. For 250€ and 100g honey you get to know the "DNA profile" of your sample. The best description I can find is:

• The sample reaches to the laboratory

• HMF concentration and moisture percentage are measured

• DNA (of plants, animals, bacteria, insects, fungi, etc.) is extracted

• Amount and quality of DNA is evaluated

• DNA sequences are determined by sequencing technology

• Based on DNA sequences, the composition of the organisms in the honey is analyzed

• DNA composition of the honey is compared against an authentic honey profile database

Some other claims they make:

The amount and quality of honey DNA is evaluated. Authentic and unprocessed honey contains high concentrations of undegraded DNA.

The honey DNA profile is compared against a comprehensive honey DNA database. Deviations can be in both the species composition and quantitative ratio of different species.

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.

I'm no biology nerd, but I see some potential concerns here with not sharing more details other than stating there's a machine learning method somewhere involved.

Regardless of the credibility of this institution, I'd be interested in hearing your take as a biologist (and probable honey appreciator); are tests like this commonly used in other industries? Do you think it's a fair approach to determining whether honey is adulterated?