Honey fraud scandal: Non-EU imports under fire, Finnish honey stands pure

This fake honey, often sold at a lower price, poses a significant threat to both consumers and genuine honey producers. In Germany, up to 80% of honey from non-EU countries is suspected of being fake, and the situation appears similarly concerning across the EU.

In August, the EPBA extended its testing to Finland. The results were encouraging for domestic producers—every sample of Finnish honey was confirmed to be pure and of high quality. However, the same could not be said for many of the honey blends, often a mix of EU and non-EU honey, available in Finnish stores. More than 60% of these products were flagged for potential fraud, raising concerns about the integrity of honey imports.

Impact on Finnish Beekeepers and Consumers

The Finnish Beekeepers Association has emphasized the importance of addressing this issue swiftly. Counterfeit honey distorts the market, driving down prices and harming the livelihoods of local beekeepers. If left unchecked, this could threaten not only the future of honey production but also the critical role bees play in pollination.

The association has urged Finnish consumers to buy domestic honey to ensure they are getting authentic, naturally produced honey. They also highlighted the broader environmental benefits of supporting local beekeepers, as bees play a crucial role in the survival of various plant species and crops.

Authorities Slow to Act Despite Known Fraud

While the problem of counterfeit honey has been known for some time, action by authorities has been slow. An EU-wide investigation between 2021 and 2022 revealed that a significant portion of honey imports were fake, yet little has been done to remove these products from the market. EPBA’s latest findings confirm that the issue persists, with fake honey continuing to make its way onto store shelves.

Honey ranks just behind olive oil as one of the most commonly counterfeited food products in the world, making this an ongoing and serious problem. The EPBA and its Finnish counterparts are calling for more rigorous enforcement of honey quality standards across the EU.

DNA Testing as a Solution

One promising development in the fight against honey fraud is the use of advanced DNA testing. The EPBA has employed a new comprehensive DNA testing method in their analysis, which is proving to be a powerful tool for identifying fraudulent products. Finnish beekeepers have high hopes that this technology will become a standard in the industry, providing better protection for both producers and consumers across Europe.

With counterfeit honey endangering both consumer safety and the livelihoods of beekeepers, the call for stricter oversight of honey imports has never been more urgent.