Most Store Honey Is Not Really Honey

September 7, 2012

A recent series of tests done for Food Safety News shows that 3/4 of the honey sold in the US  grocery stores isn't really honey at all. 

The results showed that the pollen has been filtered out, making it impossible to determine the honey's origin. Without the pollen, the honey could be (and often is) coming from the Chinese, who have a reputation of selling honey contaminated with illegal animal antibiotics, or other chemicals. 

According to the Food and Drug Administration, any product that has been ultra-filtered and no longer contains pollen isn't honey. 

Why would stores buy ultra-filtered honey, instead of honey containing pollen?   

  • Consumers prefer crystal clear honey
  • Removing the pollen extends the life of the honey (not true)
  • To hide the origin of the honey

Jump directly to the original article at Food Safety News.

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Comments

Sevak M's picture

I always tell people; there's a reason why store-bought honey is so darn cheap. Honey just shouldn't be inexpensive if it comes from bees undiluted.

trish's picture

While I agree it's a little unfair to be deceived, I think, with all things considered, honey IS inexpensive when you consider the health benefits of the raw stuff. Cost-benefit, y'know?