Poison Honey Issue isolated

27 March 08

Poison Honey Issue isolated

The Chairperson of Federated Farmers Bees Industry Group, John Hartnell says the incident involving poisoned honey is an isolated one and the public should not be worried about eating honey.

He says it’s most likely the incident results from an individual having limited knowledge of the management requirements for tutu contaminated honey, but he adds that it’s a lesson for all beekeepers to ensure that they managing their honey production carefully.

“It’s well known that Coromandel, Eastern Bay of Plenty and the Marlborough Sounds are areas where there is the potential for the production of tutu honey. Commercial beekeepers remove their hives and or honey supers in these areas before the risk period which eliminates the potential for toxic honey contamination. As well, honey sold in the majority of supermarkets and reputable outlets is packed in registered packing facilities where strict rules apply to the declaration of honey sources” says Mr Hartnell.

He says commercial packing premises are subject to annual audit by New Zealand Food Safety Authority, and this includes all harvest (crop) declarations supplied by beekeepers to the packing facility.

Mr Hartnell says commercial beekeepers are well aware of the issues and work closely with the New Zealand Food Safety Authority to ensure that their honey products are of the highest standard.

ENDS

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