Honey authentication and traceability are crucial. This study developed a simple, cost-effective molecular technique using newly designed primers to amplify the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene of honey bees from honey. RFLP analysis with *Asel* endonuclease generated species-specific restriction patterns for six *Apis* honeybees. The method effectively identified heat-treated and aged honey. This research offers potential for standardized guidelines to ascertain honey's insect origins and achieve comprehensive traceability.

Guozhi Zhang, Yanzheng Zhang, Bin Yuan, Ruth Tiang En, Shanshan Li, Huoqing Zheng, Fuliang Hu