Grayanotoxin Risk Mapping

IMHSI’s Grayanotoxin Risk Mapping project is a multi-region field and laboratory program designed to characterize how grayanotoxin (GTX) profiles and levels vary across Himalayan harvesting zones.

By documenting variability across districts, altitude bands, and seasonal harvest windows, this work supports clearer verification definitions, improved trade documentation, and more consistent safety communication, without relying on vague “lab tested” claims.

Mad Honey may contain naturally occurring grayanotoxins (GTX) associated with specific nectar sources. The challenge is not the existence of GTX, it is unverified variability.

When batches are traded without documented GTX profiles, stakeholders face predictable risk:
• inconsistent expectations and dosing ambiguity
• reduced buyer confidence in authenticity
• increased compliance friction for export and premium retail
• higher reputational exposure when claims cannot be verified

Risk mapping converts uncertainty into documented ranges and verification scope.

IMHSI focuses on verification and documentation standards. This project does not make medical claims.

• Characterize regional and seasonal GTX variability across sampling zones
• Define verification-ready benchmarks(documented ranges and risk categories)
• Support standardized batch documentation and traceability requirements
• Provide evidence inputs to inform future IMHSI standard development and public guidance

• Field collection of honey samples across defined districts and altitude bands
• Batch labeling and chain-of-custody documentation at point of collection
• Quantitative GTX analysis using chromatography-based methods (e.g., HPLC) via qualified laboratories
• Seasonal comparison to map variability across harvest windows
• Risk modeling to translate results into practical categories for verification and guidance

• Field researchers coordinating sampling and chain-of-custody documentation in Nepal
• Qualified analytical laboratories conducting GTX quantification and reporting
• Independent advisors supporting method review, risk interpretation, and documentation alignment

Partner disclosures are published in accordance with IMHSI independence and conflict-of-interest policies.

• Interim Risk Mapping Brief 
  Summary of sampling scope, analytical approach, and preliminary observations. (Publishing Soon)
• Verification & Consumer Guidance Note 
  Definitions, scope limitations, and practical guidance principles aligned with responsible labeling. (Publishing Soon)

For general enquiries, visit our Contact page.