Elemental profiling by ICP-MS as a tool for geographical discrimination: The case of bracatinga honeydew honey

Abstract Geographic origin discrimination is a topic of interest for both consumers and producers since the honey prices vary accordingly. The aim of the study was to establish the elemental profiling and geographical discrimination of bracatinga (Mimosa scabrella Bentham) honeydew honey samples exclusively produced in three regions in Brazil, i.e., Santa Catarina, Parana, and Rio Grande do Sul. Thirty-nine elements, including 14 rare earth elements, were analyzed using ICP-MS. The major rare earth elements were Eu > Nd > Ce > La > Sm, while Mg > Rb > Zn > Fe > Mn > Cu were the major multielements. The concentrations of the 39 elements analyzed were different (p