Almost half of the honey imported into the EU is judged to be fake, according to a survey. And now the trade association “Beekeeping companies” wants the government to act.
– It is usually syrup that is flavored with aromas and pollen from sunflowers has often been added, says beekeeper Kjell Andersson.
On Lovön just outside Stockholm, Kjell Andersson has some of his beehives. He has worked with beekeeping for over 40 years and is also on the board of the Beekeeping Companies,
which brings together approximately 400 professional beekeepers. Now Sweden’s professional beekeepers want an end to honey cheating.
– Our secondary industry will be shut down, beekeepers will quit because it is not possible to get paid, says Kjell Andersson.
As much as 46 percent of the honey imported into the EU is judged to be fake, according to a survey by the EU’s anti-fraud agency, which carried out 320 checks.
According to the beekeepers, the imported and fake honey is much cheaper.
Which affects sales for the beekeepers here in Sweden.
– Many beekeepers out in the countryside do not get rid of their honey, but sit with it since last year, says Kjell Andersson.