Honey Integrity Act

Key Points

• This bill creates a strict federal definition for what can be labeled as honey in the United States. Currently, there is no single national rule, which makes it easier for companies to sell honey that is mixed with cheap syrups or other additives without telling customers.
• Major honey packing companies would be required to use advanced science, like DNA testing and chemical analysis, to prove their honey is pure. If they find fake honey, they must report it to the government within 24 hours and refuse to sell it.
• The Food and Drug Administration would lead a new Honey Integrity Program to catch and stop food fraud. They would have the power to investigate, test, and even destroy honey that is found to be fake or mislabeled.
• The program would be paid for by fees collected from the honey packing companies themselves. This money would help the government pay for laboratory testing and enforcement to make sure the rules are followed.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.