"Beekeepers Tested Honey Using New DNA Technology, But Most Jars Contained Very Little Honey, Mostly Sugar and Other Sweeteners."
"The industry organization Beekeeping Entrepreneurs has tested 40 honey products available in Swedish grocery stores using new DNA technology. The results were disappointing: only four jars contained genuine honey produced in Sweden, while the remaining 36 imported jars mostly contained sugar and syrup.
Yngve Kihlberg, chairman of Beekeeping Entrepreneurs, expressed shock at the extent of the fraud, stating, 'We knew there were counterfeit products on the market, but we are shocked by the scale.' These products are found on the shelves of major grocery chains. According to the organization, the counterfeit honey primarily comes from China, where producers have learned to manipulate the products in a way that evades standard inspections, resulting in jars filled mostly with sugar products and very little honey.
Kihlberg added, 'Chinese counterfeit honey is flooding the market and tastes like honey. However, the consequences are detrimental to European beekeepers, and pollination in Europe is decreasing, which contributes to reduced biodiversity and lower domestic food supply.'
The Swedish Food Agency has acknowledged the DNA test results and considers it a serious issue. Maria Florin, head of the agency, stated, 'We want to combat fraud, but since the honey issue falls under the EU, we cannot take action.'
The EU requires that testing methods for products like honey be accredited by specific laboratories to ensure the tests are conducted correctly. Florin noted, 'The fake honey is not just a problem in Sweden but for beekeepers across the EU. The matter is with the EU Commission, and we do not know when a decision will be made. As long as the EU does not approve the tests, we do not have the right to remove the products from grocery store shelves.'
Swedish grocery retailers have contacted their honey suppliers, but the suppliers argue that according to the currently approved testing methods, the products are classified as honey, so they do not plan to change their inventory. Martin Andersson, responsible for trade policy at Swedish Grocery Retail, stated, 'We would like to change the current testing methods if they are not effective, but we must wait for the EU's decision on the accreditation of DNA tests.'"