Imported Honey Often Diluted - Rhineland-Palatinate State Television

Consumers are increasingly purchasing honey imported from abroad

In Germany, consumers are increasingly buying honey that is imported from foreign countries. While honey from domestic production is subject to strict quality controls, this is not always the case for imported honey. As a result, consumers often end up buying honey that has been diluted with other substances, such as sugar syrup.

Food fraud is a major problem

Food fraud is a major problem worldwide. According to the European Commission, around 10% of all food products are affected by food fraud. This means that consumers are often buying products that are not what they seem to be.

In the case of honey, food fraud can take many different forms. Some honey producers add sugar syrup to their honey to increase its volume and weight. Others add other substances, such as starch or corn syrup, to change the honey's consistency and appearance.

Food fraud is not only a problem for consumers, but also for the honey industry. The sale of diluted honey can damage the reputation of the honey industry and make it difficult for consumers to find pure, high-quality honey.

How to protect yourself from food fraud

There are a few things that consumers can do to protect themselves from food fraud. First, they should be aware of the problem and know what to look for when buying honey.

Here are a few tips for buying pure honey:

• Buy honey from a reputable source.
• Look for honey that is labeled as "pure" or "raw."
• Avoid honey that is very clear or has a low viscosity.
• If you are unsure whether or not your honey is pure, you can test it at home.

By following these tips, consumers can help to protect themselves from food fraud and ensure that they are getting pure, high-quality honey.