Honey Integrity Act

This bill aims to make sure honey sold in the U.S. is real and not mixed with other substances. It tells the FDA to set a clear national definition for “honey” within one year, using U.S. Pharmacopeia standards, and to report to Congress within two years on actions taken against fake or mislabeled honey. It also creates a Honey Integrity Program to find and stop “economically motivated adulteration” (for example, leaving out, swapping, or adding ingredients to boost profit), with the FDA leading the work.

Starting 180 days after the law takes effect, qualifying commercial honey packers must test honey they plan to sell in the U.S., certify they follow the rules, and send results to the FDA. Tests must use the best available science, like DNA methods and other advanced lab tests. If a packer finds adulteration, they must alert the FDA within 24 hours and refuse the shipment. The FDA can then investigate and destroy adulterated honey, share data with Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Agriculture, and producer groups, and keep a public list of qualifying packers. The FDA may charge fees to these packers to fund the program, and other agencies must help if FDA labs lack capacity.

Key points

• Who is affected: Qualifying commercial honey packers; the FDA (with help from Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Agriculture); producer associations. The “Secretary” in the bill means the head of Health and Human Services acting through the FDA.
• What changes: A national standard for honey; required testing and reporting; rapid alerts on suspected fake honey; a public list of qualifying packers; possible fees to fund the program; and a report to Congress on enforcement actions .
• When: Standard set within 1 year; packer testing starts 180 days after enactment; enforcement report due within 2 years .