Honey producers are cheating us. Almost half lie on labels

The inspection carried out by the Agricultural and Food Quality Inspection revealed numerous irregularities in the sale of honey. Deficiencies were found in the labeling, composition and quality of products. Problems affected almost 41 percent. audited entities – we read at finanse.wp.pl

IJHARS has published the results of the latest honey inspection, which covered both the production and retail stages. In total, 98 entities placing honey on the market were inspected – 51 producers and 47 stores.

Varietal honey, multi-flower honey and mixtures of honey of various origins, including imported products, were examined. In 40.8 percent of the inspected entities, irregularities were found regarding the quality, composition or labeling of honey.

The worst thing is the labeling of honey

Inspectors drew attention to information on labels that could mislead consumers. There were voluntary slogans emphasizing the alleged unique properties of honey, e.g. “natural”, and sometimes even statements suggesting that the product could prevent or cure diseases.

The problem also concerned the names of honey used in sales. Inspectors questioned terms such as “multi-floral dandelion-rapeseed honey” or “multi-floral-rapeseed honey”, which mislead the consumer by suggesting a specific variety, which in the case of multi-floral honey is inconsistent with the regulations.

Overall, irregularities were found in almost one third of the honey batches. The labels often lacked basic data, such as the country of origin of the product or the date of minimum durabilityand the list of shortcomings was much longer.

The honey was supposed to be from Poland, but it wasn't

In some cases, the term “eco” was used for conventional honey – both in the product name, in the company's visual identification or in the website address. Such markings could suggest to consumers that the product comes from organic production, although in fact this was not confirmed.

Pollen tests revealed irregularities in approximately one fifth of the tested honey batches. In many situations, the variety indicated on the label did not match the results of microscopic analysis. This concerned linden and acacia honeys, as well as single batches of cornflower, bean and melilot honeys.

“>

In one case, even though the label listed Poland as the country of origin, the analysis showed the presence of plant pollen typical of other climatic zones. This meant that the declared origin of the product did not correspond to reality.

The honey had a strange taste of “candy”

Irregularities regarding physicochemical parameters and organoleptic characteristics were found in approximately 4%. tested honey samples. Research has shown, among others: abnormal HMF level and reduced diastase number, which may suggest excessive heating of honey or improper storage. In one case, the presence of starch dextrins was detected, which clearly indicates that the product is adulterated.

Sensory evaluation also showed honey with an unusual, “candy-like” taste and products showing traces of fermentation. These observations were confirmed by microscopic tests.

Sanctions provided for by applicable law were applied to the entities responsible for these irregularities – we read further at finanase.wp.pl

prepared by WM

Source: