Australian native bee honey now approved for consumption, ending confusion on legality of sales
Australian native bee honey now approved for consumption, ending confusion on legality of sales
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has officially approved a new standard for native bee honey, allowing for its sale and use in both Australia and New Zealand. This development was announced after FSANZ gazetted the new standard in Amendment No 229 to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code on 22 July 2024. The approval follows an extensive review of data submitted by the Australian Native Bee Association (ANBA), along with other relevant data, addressing public health and safety considerations regarding honey produced by Australian native stingless bees.
FSANZ’s assessment concluded that there was “no convincing evidence that consumption of native bee honey at the requested compositional requirements presents a health risk to the general population if beekeepers apply good hygienic practice during harvesting and processing.” It also noted that “risks to vulnerable populations are comparable to the risks from honeybee honey.”
The approval signifies the end of ongoing speculation concerning the legality of selling Australian native bee honey. The newly established Food Standard 2.8.3 specifies the compositional requirements and labelling rules that set native bee honey apart from that produced by European honeybees. Notable differences include lower levels of reducing sugars, higher water content, and other specific characteristics.
FSANZ CEO, Dr Sandra Cuthbert, highlighted the differences in the honey types. She said, “The current definition of honey in the Code is appropriate to European honeybees, however, honey produced by stingless bees has different sugar and moisture content so does not meet the current compositional requirements for honey. The application seeks to distinguish these compositional requirements in the Code and establish a definition that is more appropriate for native bee honey.”
This approval from FSANZ is expected to strengthen consumer confidence in the safety and nutritional characteristics of native bee honey. Currently, the supply of this niche product is quite limited and not available on supermarket shelves. However, it can be sourced from select online sellers. The establishment of a specific food standard for native bee honey is anticipated to encourage increased production and availability in the markets.
The Australian Native Bee Association, a not-for-profit organisation, plays a vital role in protecting and conserving native bees, promoting their sustainable use in agriculture and honey production, and encouraging research into these bees. ANBA also focuses on working with Indigenous Australians, acknowledging their historic and ongoing connections with native stingless bees and recognising the cultural significance of bees and honey.
Dean Haley, Chair of ANBA’s honey committee, also acknowledged the contributions made by the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Queensland Health’s Public and Environmental Health, and Agri-Futures Australia. Their research and support were instrumental in preparing the application submitted to FSANZ.
