Traceability Program Aims to Stop Illegally Sourced Honey

GALVESTON, TexasThe True Source Honey launched its Certified Honey Traceability ProgramTrue Source Certifieddesigned to certify the origin of honey distributed and consumed within North America, and solve the problem of illegally sourced honey.

The new voluntary program is open to all interested honey packers, beekeepers, importers and exporters and will help create transparency within the industry, going beyond current certification expectations and federal regulations while adding an additional layer of traceability beginning at the hive.

Intertek, an internationally recognized third party audit firm, will conduct unannounced inspections, review documents and collect samples for country-of-origin verification.

Some importers and honey packers have been illegally importing honey by misrepresenting the true country-of-origin, in order to circumvent dumping duties of $1.20 per pound that have been assessed against certain countries. This results in honey being sold to companies and consumers that is of questionable origin. In addition to creating food safety issues for consumers, the practice threatens the honey industry by undercutting fair market prices and damaging honeys reputation for quality and safety.

Cheap illegal imports hurt all legitimate U.S. packers and beekeepers," said David Mendes, president of the American Beekeeping Federation. I applaud the efforts of the True Source Honey Initiative to create a bottom up" solution to illegal transshipment. I would encourage U.S. beekeepers to support this effort."