FDA Issues Guidance on Labeling of Honey and Honey Products

The Food and Drug Administration on March 1 issued a final guidance document on the “Proper Labeling of Honey and Honey Products.” The guidance includes a series of questions and answers on honey labeling, focusing in particular on labeling of products consisting of honey with added corn syrup or cane sugar, flavored honey and blends of honey with other ingredients. It says honey with added cane sugar or corn syrup cannot be labeled as “honey” and must be identified as a blend. It also says the source of honey does not have to be declared on labels, but the name of the plant or blossom may be identified if there is supporting information that the plant or blossom is the chief floral source of the honey. “Names such as ‘Orange Blossom Honey,’ ‘Clover Honey,’ or ‘Wild Flower Honey’ are acceptable,” FDA said.