Key Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) clarified that analysts must label honey samples with Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) above the permitted limit as “substandard” and not “unsafe.” Officials noticed that analysts had been classifying such samples differently, which prompted the clarification. Clause 2.8.3(1) of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, sets the HMF limit in honey at 80 mg/kg. Despite this, some recent sample reports marked honey with higher levels as “unsafe,” causing confusion among enforcement teams and industry stakeholders.

Scientific Panel Confirms No Proven Health Risk

FSSAI’s Scientific Panel reviewed available research during its 29th meeting on December 18, 2024. The panel found no strong scientific evidence linking high HMF levels to direct health risks. Based on this finding, FSSAI decided to treat HMF strictly as a quality parameter and not a safety parameter. This means analysts will not classify honey with high HMF as harmful or unsafe under current scientific knowledge.

Updated Direction Ensures Uniform Classification

FSSAI issued the advisory to ensure uniformity in how analysts classify honey samples across India. The authority instructed all enforcement and quality assurance personnel to label honey exceeding the HMF limit only as “substandard.” Dr Srinivasan G. V., Joint Director (Quality Assurance), issued the advisory after receiving approval from the competent authority. This directive aims to prevent misinterpretation and maintain consistency in testing and enforcement.

Source: Foodtech News