Key Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a clear directive on how laboratories must classify honey samples containing Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) above the permitted limit. Under Clause 2.8.3(1) of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, honey may contain no more than 80 mg/kg of HMF. However, analysts had been inconsistently classifying samples that exceeded this limit—some marked them as “unsafe”, while others labelled them “substandard.” This discrepancy prompted FSSAI to issue a formal clarification.

Scientific Panel Confirms No Proven Safety Risk

During its 29th meeting on December 18, 2024, FSSAI’s Scientific Panel reviewed the available scientific evidence and found no confirmed health risks associated with elevated HMF levels in honey. The panel noted that current research does not support classifying such samples as unsafe for consumers. Based on this review, FSSAI has decided to treat HMF strictly as a quality parameter, not a safety parameter.

Updated Direction Ensures Uniform Classification

As per the new directive, analysts must classify any honey sample exceeding the 80 mg/kg HMF limit as “substandard”—not “unsafe.” This updated instruction ensures uniform interpretation of honey standards across all testing laboratories and enforcement teams. Dr Srinivasan G. V., Joint Director (Quality Assurance), issued the advisory with the approval of the competent authority to prevent further misclassification and maintain consistency in testing, enforcement, and industry compliance.

Source: Foodtech Network