**1.4. Homogenization of the honey sample and withdrawal of the analytical unit**

Disinfect the area outside the packaging with 70% ethanol and remove the jar lid aseptically. Observe and note the presence of abnormalities in the packaging or in the internal content such as bloating, leakage, the presence of foreign bodies, odour and/or strange appearance.

Before the withdrawal of analytical units, the content of the sample should be homogenized to ensure that the removed portion is representative of all the material. In the case of honey in a jar with enough room for agitation, the package should be inverted 25 times. If there is no free space for agitation, use a second sterile vial and transfer the sample from one vial to another three times. Remove the analytical unit with a sterile spatula (ISO 6887-5: 2010) [21].
