In March 2023, the European Commission found that 46% of product samples (including all 10 samples from the UK) were suspected to be adulterated – meaning they were likely to have been added with cheaper sugar syrups.
In August of this year, scientists from Cranfield University announced that they had found a way detect fake honey products without opening the cans.
Project leader Dr Anastasiadi said: “Our research has shown that this is a sensitive, robust and reliable way to detect adulteration and confirm the origin of syrups.
“Having this consistent technique in your arsenal could eliminate honey fraud.”
It is too early to make any promises about the World Apiculture Prize at the 2025 Congress, although Opimondia said it still plans to celebrate honey in various ways.
“Starting in Copenhagen, we will aim to celebrate honey by promoting regional honey through a ‘honey map’.
This map is expected to enable beekeepers, scientists and interested parties to “discover the unique flavors of Scandinavian honey. Explore how the (unique) geographical and climatic conditions in Scandinavia affect the taste of honey and learn about the stories of honey from (this) region “.
Jeff Pettis, the federation’s president, said they “continue to fight for better testing” and that he wants “the public to know that local honey is much less likely to be adulterated.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said: “We take any kind of food fraud very seriously. We work closely with law enforcement to ensure that the honey sold in the UK is free from adulteration, meets our high standards and maintains a level playing field for honey producers.”
