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Fake Honey Threatens The Whole Industry

Domestic beekeepers are afraid of mass produced fake honey

According to German Beekeepers' Association (DBB), last year a quarter of the 220,000 samples taken were contaminated. Around 5,000 beekeepers in Germany are in fear of fake honey.

In order to be able to prove the fraud, the DBB has joined forces with the Institute for Honey Research in Bremen. As the association's chairman, Torsten Ellmann, explained in an interview, the problem with honey fraud is that it can be stretched for months. Given the current energy crisis, domestic honey production can become particularly important because, compared to cheaper foreign products, domestic honey has significantly shorter transportation routes.

Honey as a symbol against the decline of insects

"Honey bees are important pollinators and help maintain biodiversity," Ellmann said. Since they are particularly affected by climate change, the high mortality rate worsens with the decrease in insects.

The recognition of fake honey is not easy: "As a consumer, you can hardly tell from the appearance, taste or smell whether the product is genuine honey," explains Ellmann. His tip: "Buy regional honey from your trusted beekeeper or from specialized retailers who guarantee the origin of the honey."

Criminal proceedings are initiated

The Central Office for Combating Food Fraud (ZKS) detected 260 criminal offenses related to honey fraud in 2022. According to the DBB, 5,000 tons of fake honey with a value of 50 million euros can be proven. Criminal proceedings are already underway against 124 suspects.

How to Spot Fake Honey

Check the label: Real honey will have a label that lists the type of honey, the beekeeper or packer, the country of origin, and the net weight of the honey.
Look for the "certified" seal: This seal means that the honey has been tested and certified by a third-party organization to ensure that it is pure and unadulterated.
Check the color and consistency: Real honey will vary in color from light amber to dark brown, and it will have a thick, viscous consistency.
Do the water test: Put a drop of honey in a glass of water. If the honey is pure, it will stay in a clump and sink to the bottom of the glass. If the honey is diluted, it will disperse in the water.