New Honey Labelling Rules: What Has Changed and What Businesses Need to Know

Since 14 June 2026, new European honey labelling rules have come into force, introducing stricter requirements regarding the declaration of the product's origin. The changes aim to increase transparency for consumers, improve traceability and combat food fraud associated with honey.

While these changes directly affect producers, packers, distributors and retailers, they are also relevant to food businesses, HACCP professionals and consumers who want to better understand the origin of the food they purchase.

Why Were New Honey Rules Introduced?

For many years, consumers found generic statements on honey labels such as:

• "Blend of EU honeys";
• "Blend of non-EU honeys";
• "Blend of EU and non-EU honeys".

These descriptions provided very little information about the true origin of the product, making it difficult for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. In addition, the lack of detail contributed to concerns regarding honey authenticity and potential food fraud.

The new rules aim to improve transparency throughout the supply chain and strengthen consumer confidence.

What Has Changed in Honey Labelling?

The main change relates to the declaration of honey origin.

From 14 June 2026 onwards, when a product contains a blend of honey from different countries, the label must specify:

• All countries of origin;
• The percentage contribution of each country;
• The countries listed in descending order by weight.

This information must be displayed clearly within the main field of vision on the packaging.

For example, instead of simply stating "Blend of EU and non-EU honeys", a label may now indicate:

• Portugal – 60%;
• Spain – 25%;
• Argentina – 15%.

This change allows consumers to know exactly where the honey they are purchasing comes from.

Do Existing Products Have to Be Removed from the Market?

No.

Products that were produced, packed and placed on the market before the new rules came into force may continue to be sold until existing stock is exhausted. For this reason, consumers may continue to see products using the previous labelling format for some time.

Why Is Honey Origin So Important?

Food origin plays an important role in consumer confidence.

Many consumers prefer to purchase local products or products originating from specific regions due to factors such as:

• Perceived quality;
• Production practices;
• Sustainability;
• Supporting local producers;
• Greater confidence in the supply chain.

Providing more detailed information allows consumers to make more informed and transparent purchasing decisions.

Combating Food Fraud

Honey-related food fraud has become an increasing concern internationally.

Some of the issues identified by authorities include:

• Incorrect declarations of origin;
• Misleading labelling;
• Adulteration with added sugars;
• Insufficient traceability.

The new rules form part of a broader effort to improve control systems, increase transparency and make fraudulent practices more difficult.

What Does This Mean for Food Businesses?

Businesses involved in the production, packing, distribution and sale of honey must ensure that their products comply with the new legal requirements.

This may involve:

• Updating product labels;
• Reviewing supplier documentation;
• Improving traceability systems;
• Verifying origin information provided by suppliers and trading partners.

Effective traceability is essential for demonstrating compliance during audits and inspections.

How Does This Relate to HACCP?

Although the change primarily concerns labelling and consumer information, it also has important links to HACCP systems.

One of the fundamental principles of food safety management is the ability to identify and trace products throughout the supply chain.

Proper documentation of ingredient origins helps businesses:

• Improve traceability;
• Manage suppliers more effectively;
• Respond quickly to food safety incidents;
• Demonstrate regulatory compliance.

For this reason, the new requirements reinforce best practices already recommended by food safety management systems.

What Should Restaurants and Food Businesses Do?

Even if they do not sell packaged honey directly to consumers, food businesses should remain aware of legislative changes affecting the products they use or supply.

It is advisable to:

• Review supplier documentation;
• Maintain up-to-date records;
• Ensure ingredient traceability;
• Review HACCP procedures when necessary.

Legal compliance and transparency are increasingly valued by both consumers and regulatory authorities.

How Can ASAE Verify Compliance?

During inspections, ASAE may verify whether products comply with labelling and traceability requirements. Businesses should be able to demonstrate product origin, maintain up-to-date supplier records and ensure that information provided to consumers is accurate.

Effective documentation management not only supports legal compliance but also enables businesses to respond quickly in the event of investigations or product recalls.

The new honey labelling rules represent an important step towards increasing transparency, improving traceability and strengthening consumer confidence.

By requiring detailed identification of countries of origin and their respective percentages, the legislation provides clearer information and contributes to the fight against food fraud.

For producers, distributors, retailers and food businesses, these changes also present an opportunity to strengthen documentation controls, traceability systems and compliance with food safety best practices.

Keeping up with legislative changes and updating internal procedures is an essential part of any modern food safety and HACCP system.