In our earlier article on Honey, we had talked about introduction of SMR back into the regulation. Subsequently the scientific panel met again on 18th June 2020 and recommended the use of LC-MS method for determination of foreign oligosaccharides in honey. The new Directive was published on 1st July 2020 and is to come into force with immediate effect.
There are few other major changes that have been made in the regulations. The definition of honey is updated to include the Blossom Honey or Nectar Honey which comes from nectars of plant and Honeydew Honey which comes mainly from the excretions of plant sucking insects (Hemiptera) on the living parts of plants or secretions of living parts of plants.
Even the labelling requirements have been updated for different types of honey and its processing methods. It will be classified as Honeydew honey, Blend of Honeydew honey and Blossom honey, and Carvia Callosa honey. It may also be labelled as mono floral or multi floral if it comes from any particular source and has the properties corresponding with its origin.
