Purpose


The purpose of this rule development is to establish a standard of identity for honey that is produced, packed, repacked, distributed and sold in Florida or from Florida. Development of this rule is meant to have the effect on controlling the pervasive, illegal practice of blending or diluting pure honey with low-cost syrups (i.e., sugar, cane, corn, etc.) thereby committing an economic fraud on both the permanent and transient residents of Florida. Preliminary guidelines have been drafted through a cooperative effort between the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida State Beekeepers Association to implement a needed standard of identity for honey. The rule substantially conforms to standards set forth in the Codex Standard for Honey. This rule will have an effect on those establishments permitted by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services who produce local honey or sell honey from Interstate Commerce.