theguardian.com
Honey Fraud Scandal in the UK
Over 90% of honey samples from major UK retailers fail authenticity tests, revealing widespread adulteration and prompting calls for stricter regulations.
English
United Kingdom
HealthRegulationFraudSupply ChainFoodTesting
Honey Authenticity Network UkBritish Honey Importers And Packers Association (Bhipa)Celvia Research InstituteEuropean Professional Beekeepers Association (Epba)Food Standards Agency
Lynne IngramKaarel KrjutškovPaul HortonBernhard HeuvelDevina Sankhla
- What actions is the EU taking to address honey fraud?
- The EU is also working to improve honey authenticity testing and has implemented new labeling requirements for honey's country of origin to help combat fraudulent practices within the honey industry.
- What is the primary method of adulteration in the honey industry?
- The adulteration involves mixing cheaper sugar syrups with honey, undermining genuine honey producers and potentially misleading consumers who believe they are buying pure honey.
- What are the calls to action from beekeepers and industry experts?
- Beekeepers and industry experts call for better testing regimes and stricter regulations to protect consumers and the livelihoods of honest honey producers, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.
- What percentage of honey samples from British retailers failed the authenticity tests?
- A new DNA-based test reveals that over 90% of honey samples from major British retailers show signs of adulteration, raising concerns about widespread fraud in the honey supply chain.
- What are the main arguments of the British Honey Importers and Packers Association (BHIPA)?
- The British Honey Importers and Packers Association (BHIPA) argues that more rigorous testing methods are needed, while acknowledging the high standard of most UK-sold honey. They dispute the validity of certain tests used to detect fraudulent honey.