Honey Laundering: Tainted product still slips easily into U.S.

Officials are rarely notified

"If we buy Chinese honey, as we do far too often, we know it may contain chloramphenicol or some other antibiotic that is illegal in any food product," said Brady, who produces about a million pounds of honey a year. "To find it and not report it is criminal."

Two-thirds of the honey Americans consume is imported and almost half of that, regardless of what's on the label, comes from China, the Seattle P-I reported last month. Full Story »

Posted by Dwight Rousu
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Member Tags: Honey, Honey Laundering
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Myrna E. Watanabe
4.9
by Myrna E. Watanabe - Jan. 26, 2009

Yes. Well sourced, many and good quotes, authoritative sources, besides. You don't see all that much of this kind of journalism anymore because the print media claim that readers don't have the patience and time to read in detail. Bulldinky!

Well, I knew about Chinese honey years ago--they came in and undercut the US market back in the early 90s. Had no idea about the contamination but I am not surprised. That no one really cares is what is surprising.

See Full Review » (8 answers)
Dwight Rousu
4.6
by Dwight Rousu - Jan. 26, 2009

This is quality investigative journalism on a subject that can touch anybody who might eat a product that contains honey. Buyers in the industry who find contamination are not required to report it and it gets sold to another buyer who may not have sophisticated testing, and it reaches the public. Implications are important for MRSA and allergies to the foreign substances.

I had honey on my cereal this morning. Could bee contaminated.

Some beekeepers have reported such practices to state and federal agencies, but “nothing is done,” Olson said. “We’ve screamed our heads off ... More »

See Full Review » (14 answers)
Robin 'Roblimo' Miller
4.3
by Robin 'Roblimo' Miller - Jan. 26, 2009

Good investigative piece. I didn't even know anyone imported honey into the U.S., since I live in a part of Florida where local honey dominates.

See Full Review » (6 answers)
Kenneth Sibbett
4.3
by Kenneth Sibbett - Jan. 26, 2009

An eye-opening report on the honey industry. It seems China can export products to this country that are known to be harmful, yet the government does nothing.

This also may be the reason millions of bee's or dying around this country, and nobody knows why. Honey bees are an important part of the food chain and we will regret the day when they are killed off.

See Full Review » (7 answers)
Jennifer Chin
4.6
by Jennifer Chin - Jan. 29, 2009

A useful and informative look on a subject that isn't mainstream, but has the potential to touch everyday life. It's surprising (and sad) that honey companies seem so unwilling to nip this in the bud. Article has a good mix of data, primary sources, corporate and citizen sources.

See Full Review » (11 answers)
Lindsey Hoshaw
4.7
by Lindsey Hoshaw - Jan. 27, 2009

This is quality journalism because it's clear, concise and informative. Plus it provides information that is new to many people. Especially when the US has focused so much energy on China's exports, this is a new way to look at how we're affected by the products we import.

See Full Review » (6 answers)
David Day
4.7
by David Day - Jan. 26, 2009

“If we buy Chinese honey, as we do far too often, we know it may contain chloramphenicol or some other antibiotic that is illegal in any food product,” said ... More »

See Full Review » (7 answers)

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