The honey industry in the UK is facing increasing pressure to review its supply chain after over 90% of honey samples purchased from major British retailers failed authenticity tests. The new test, conducted by the UK branch of the Honey Authenticity Network, examined 30 honey samples, 25 from supermarkets and 5 from local beekeepers. The results were surprising: 24 of the 25 jars purchased from retailers were flagged as suspicious, while all 5 honey samples from UK beekeepers were certified as authentic.
These tests are based on innovative genetic technology that analyzes the DNA profiles of honey and compares them with those of genuine samples. Despite some criticism from importers and experts who question the reliability of the methods used, the results suggest a growing issue of adulteration, with honey suspected of being cut with low-cost sugar syrup. The British Honey Importers and Packagers Association (BHIPA) has called for an analysis based on “consistent evidence,” emphasizing that the quality of honey sold in the country is generally high.
The issue has raised international concerns. A European Union investigation last year found that 46% of honey samples imported into Europe were suspected of fraud, with honey from the UK also involved. To combat this phenomenon, the European Union is working on new testing techniques and has recently introduced stricter honey origin labeling laws.
Lynne Ingram, beekeeper and president of the Honey Authenticity Network UK, stated that the market is “flooded with low-priced adulterated honey,” a phenomenon that is harming local beekeepers and confusing consumers. The UK is one of the largest importers of Chinese honey, which is often subject to fraud, and importers in the country insist that supply chains are carefully monitored. However, there is still no consensus on how tests should be applied and which methods are the most reliable.
The Celvia laboratory in Estonia, which has developed an advanced method for genetic analysis of honey, confirmed that the tests are robust and capable of easily detecting adulterated products. Celvia’s research examined millions of DNA sequences, showing that the difference between authentic and adulterated honey is “huge.” However, some experts have raised concerns about the completeness of the database used by the laboratory, arguing that a single test may not be enough to ensure the authenticity of the product.
In Germany, where similar tests have been conducted, the results were worrying: 25 out of 30 samples analyzed were found to be non-authentic. The European Professional Beekeepers Association (EPBA) has denounced the phenomenon as a crime, calling on the relevant authorities to take action. The cost of some imported honeys at 80 cents per kilogram raises further suspicions, as it is impossible to produce quality honey at such low prices.
In response to growing concerns, the UK government has stated that it is working with regulatory authorities to ensure that honey sold in the country is not adulterated. However, honey industries and retailers continue to challenge some of the testing methods used, calling for stricter, scientifically validated standards.
The increasing consumer awareness and the rise in fraud within the sector are driving the industry towards change: greater transparency in honey sourcing and the introduction of more reliable testing methods are essential to protect product quality and consumer trust.