Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002129/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE)
Half of the honey samples taken from the European market are suspected of non-compliance with the provisions of Directive 2001/110/EC on honey[1].
There is a phenomenon whereby honey of dubious quality is imported from non-EU countries, mixed with a quantity of domestic honey and misleadingly labelled as honey originating from an EU country.
These practices represent a significant health risk for consumers and constitute unfair competition that threatens the viability of the beekeeping sector, since beekeepers find it difficult to sell their honey as its price is significantly higher than that of adulterated honey.
This comes on the back of the significant challenges faced by the sector as a result of the climate crisis.
In view of this, can the Commission answer the following:
- 1.How does it intend to strengthen checks on the authenticity of honey?
- 2.Can the current rules on food traceability adequately ensure the traceability of honey from the producer or importer to the consumer? Is it considering the possibility of setting up a traceability system at EU level with a view to harmonising methods for detecting adulteration and fraud?
- 3.In view of the next common agricultural policy, how does it intend to strengthen the beekeeping sector in the face of the challenges brought about by climate change?
Submitted: 28.5.2025
- [1] 2023, JRC, Coordinated action to prevent certain fraudulent practices in the honey sector