Producers React to Changes in the Honey Regulation

According to the regulation published in the Official Gazette on 19 February, manufacturers will no longer be able to produce misleading food substances such as syrups and flavourings that give the impression of honey and grape molasses. Etabal Board Chairman Ahmet Bağran Aksoy, informing the public about the benefits of the regulation welcomed by consumers, stated: "The adoption of this decision, which directly concerns public health, is very valuable for our sector. What matters is the implementation of this decision and the monitoring of producers. If a strong inspection process is not established, the adopted decision loses its importance." In the 19 February 2020 edition of the Official Gazette, according to the article "Products that give the impression of honey with names such as honey-flavoured syrup, pine-flavoured syrup, honey syrup and similar, produced by adding flavouring agents or honey, cannot be manufactured" in the Turkish Food Codex Regulation published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, honey production that misleads the public will no longer be permitted. Thanks to this restriction placed on content that threatens public health and misleads the public, consumers will no longer be exposed to misleading products on store shelves. According to the regulation, products that give the impression of honey with names such as honey-flavoured syrup, pine-flavoured syrup, honey syrup and similar, produced by adding flavouring agents or honey, will be prohibited as of 31 December 2020.

"Inspections are as important as the regulation"

In the honey category, which frequently appears in the list of adulterated products, this measure was welcomed by consumers. "The adoption of this decision on honey, which directly concerns public health, is very valuable for our sector," said Etabal Board Chairman Ahmet Bağran Aksoy. "What matters is the implementation of this decision and the monitoring of producers. If a strong inspection process is not established, the adopted decision loses its importance. In fact, these ill-intentioned people could continue to deceive our people by claiming these mixture products are natural, citing the law as justification," he stated. Pointing out that honey and bee products are among Turkey's most valuable resources, Aksoy added that this step is valuable for honey's image and reputation.

Inspections will first restore public health and then honey's reputation

Noting that honey and bee products generated USD 10.4 million in revenue to the Turkish economy in the first six months of the previous year, Aksoy drew attention to exports to 41 countries in 2019 and shared the following information: "The desire to make quick money has shaken the reputation of Turkish honey. In a country as rich as Turkey, honey with the richest content can be produced. Instead of producing with traditional methods, those who produce honey and bee products in underground laboratories first damaged the health of our people and then eroded confidence in honey. Like other measures taken against counterfeiting, we view this positively and support it. What matters is that inspections are carried out frequently and correctly. If inspections are carried out properly, confidence in Turkish honey can be rebuilt."