EU Agrees: Mandatory Honey Origin Labeling to Benefit Hungarian Beekeepers and Consumers

Published: December 12 2023

The EU has agreed to make it compulsory for honey bottles to indicate the origin of the honey and the exact percentage of its origin. This initiative, spearheaded by Hungary, aims to support Hungarian beekeepers, help consumers find quality Hungarian honeys, and combat honey of uncertain origin and dubious quality from outside the EU.

The mandatory origin marking on honey bottles will make it easier for consumers to identify and choose quality Hungarian honeys. This labeling will not only support Hungarian beekeepers but also contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. Additionally, it will effectively help in the fight against honey of uncertain origin and of dubious quality that is imported from outside the EU.

Hungary initiated the proposal to tighten the rules on origin labeling for honey mixtures in November 2019. After four years of work, EU agriculture ministers have agreed to make origin labeling mandatory. The European Parliament is expected to adopt their position on the proposal soon, followed by negotiations with the Council to ensure prompt implementation of the new regulation.

In conjunction with the mandatory origin labeling, a special campaign has been introduced to promote domestic honey in Hungary. This campaign aims to raise awareness about the benefits of consuming Hungarian honey and support local beekeepers.

The mandatory labeling of honey origin in the EU will provide transparency to consumers and support Hungarian beekeepers. It will enable consumers to choose quality honey and avoid products of uncertain origin and dubious quality. This initiative is an important step towards promoting the domestic honey industry and conserving biodiversity.

What is the new agreement regarding honey origin labeling in the EU? On Hungary's initiative, EU agriculture ministers have agreed that it will be compulsory to indicate the origin of honey and the exact percentage of its origin on honey bottles.

Why is Hungary pushing for stricter rules on origin labeling for honey mixtures? Hungary believes that stricter rules on origin labeling will make it easier for consumers to find quality Hungarian honeys, which will support Hungarian beekeepers and the conservation of biodiversity. It will also help to fight against honey of uncertain origin and of dubious quality coming from outside the EU.

When did Hungary take the initiative to tighten the rules on origin labeling for honey mixtures? Hungary took the initiative to tighten the rules on origin labeling for honey mixtures in November 2019.

What is the next step for the new regulation on honey origin labeling? The European Parliament will adopt its position on the proposal in the coming days. After this, negotiations with the Council could begin to ensure that the new regulation can enter into force as soon as possible.

What is the aim of the mandatory origin marking with the exact percentage? The aim of the mandatory origin marking with the exact percentage is to provide consumers with clear information about the origin of the honey they are purchasing.

How will the new regulation benefit Hungarian beekeepers and consumers? The new regulation will benefit Hungarian beekeepers by supporting their industry and promoting their quality honeys. It will benefit consumers by providing them with information about the origin of the honey they are buying, allowing them to make more informed choices.

Will the new regulation help fight against honey of uncertain origin and dubious quality from outside the EU? Yes, the new regulation is expected to be effective in fighting against honey of uncertain origin and dubious quality coming from outside the EU. The mandatory origin marking with the exact percentage will make it easier to identify honey that may not meet the desired standards.