Florida Takes Steps to Protect the Honey Business
The state is taking steps to make sure honey bought in Florida is pure honey.
Some sellers add water, sugar and additives to their products. Starting July 14, the state will adopt standards prohibiting the sell of honey with additives, according to the Capitol News Service.
Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson said he hopes to set an example other states will follow.
“We hope other states, the 28 other states that are looking at this, and hopefully the FDA, will come to the same conclusion, that if it’s not made by a bee, then it’s probably not honey," Bronson said. "We just want people who are paying honey prices to get 100-percent honey.”
Florida is the fourth largest honey-producing state. Honey has an economic impact of nearly $40 million a year, employing more than 500 people, according to the news service.
Companies caught violating the new standards could be forced to stop selling honey and pay $500 per violation.
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