Germany: 80% of honey samples analyzed appear to be adulterated according to DBIB

A recent investigation by the German Association of Professional and Commercial Beekeepers (DBIB) and the European Professional Beekeeping Association (EPBA) has uncovered a startling issue, with their analysis of honey samples sold in German supermarkets revealing that 80% of the samples were found to be adulterated. This finding is part of a larger concern, following a 2023 European Union report that identified 46% of honey samples as "suspicious" for not meeting quality standards. The adulteration of honey not only compromises product quality but also undermines market prices, with some honey sold at prices impossible to cover production costs. This situation is further complicated by the mislabeling of honey as "vegan" or "bee-free," which is actually a syrup imitating honey's sugar profile. The investigating organizations plan to report their findings to the European Commission and the German government, calling for regulations to ensure consumer safety and support for legitimate producers, who are currently facing market challenges due to the oversupply of cheap honey.