U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville is working to ensure that domestic beekeepers and honey producers are not financially harmed by counterfeit foreign honey imports. On Thursday, with that goal in mind, the Alabama Republican introduced legislation that he believes could help give those affected by foreign products a fighting chance to stay in business.
The Honey Integrity Act, according to Tuberville, would help domestic keepers and producers by instructing the FDA to create a standard identity for honey and require the HHS Secretary to report enforcement against adulterated/misbranded honey to Congress.
“Honey is one of nature’s greatest antioxidants, providing many wonderful health benefits,” said Tuberville (R-Auburn).
“America’s beekeepers and honey producers work tirelessly to ensure that we have access to pure, quality honey. But sadly, the lack of uniform standards is creating loopholes that foreign honey producers are increasingly exploiting. Our honey producers deserve a level playing field, and Americans deserve to know exactly what they’re putting in their bodies. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to secure our nation’s honey industry, support our domestic beekeepers, and increase food transparency for Americans.”
Keepers and producers in Alabama are pleased with the legislation and believe it marks significant progress.
Blake Thaxton, Director of Alabama Farmers Federation’s Bee and Honey Division, praised Tuberville for introducing the bill in the Senate and noted the potential of the legislation.
“The Alabama Farmers Federation and its members extend their gratitude to Senator Coach Tuberville and Representative Steube for their leadership in protecting consumers’ right to purchase pure honey,” said Thaxton. “Buying local honey directly from beekeepers remains the best way to ensure consumers receive 100% real honey. However, this bill is a meaningful step toward building consumer confidence that the honey they buy is unadulterated.”
Robert Russell, Vice President of the Alabama Commercial Beekeepers Association, explained.
“The Alabama Commercial Beekeepers Association (ACBA) thanks Senator Tuberville for his dedication to the consumers and the producers of Alabama,” said Russell. “Adulterated honey products have been a huge problem in our markets for many years. Consumers who think they are making healthy decisions by buying honey have been misled by products labeled as honey yet filled with corn syrup and rice syrup.”
He noted that the issue has damaged beekeepers in the Yellowhammer State as well.
“This issue has damaged the beekeepers of Alabama as well. The beekeepers work diligently to provide a premium product to the market, while unscrupulous packers cut prices by fooling the consumers into buying fake honey. Real honey is unable to compete in pricing with adulterated syrups. The people of Alabama deserve so much better, and Senator Tuberville has stepped up to protect all of us. We look forward to working with the Senator and the FDA to protect our industry and the health of our state.”
Steven Coy, President of the American Honey Producers Association, applauded Tuberville and the Representatives who introduced the bill in the House.
“For years, America’s beekeepers have sought adequate protections against adulteration of the honey supply on behalf of consumers and beekeepers alike,” said Coy. “This legislation takes critical steps forward in addressing adulteration so that consumers can be confident that their honey is natural, wholesome, and healthy. The legislation will also help level the playing field for honest American beekeepers who have had to compete against adulterated products for too many years.”
“We look forward to working with Congress and FDA in implementing this common sense legislation to restore fairness in the marketplace and certainty for the consumer.”
The Honey Integrity Act is supported by the American Honey Producers Association, the Alabama Commercial Beekeepers Association (ACBA), and the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA).
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
