New Delhi, March 18 Alleging the presence of antibiotics and heavy metal residues in Indian honey, the European Union has threatened to ban such imports from next month, official sources told Business Line.
The EU is the second largest destination for Indian honey exports after the US. The ban may impact other farm exports to EU as they could also face similar charges, including that of pesticide residues. "It is becoming a political issue," an official said.
At stake is India's total farm export to EU worth over $660 million. India exports honey to over 60 countries. India's total honey exports were $32.39 million in 2008-09, a quarter ($7.7 million) of which went to the EU.
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The Commerce Ministry is holding urgent talks with honey producers and the Export Inspection Council (EIC). India would soon seek more time from EU to explain the situation. "We are hopeful about resolving this. Our fisheries exports faced a similar problem in the EU, but we resolved it," an official said.
Some producers use antibiotics to prevent bacterial diseases and honey from such bee colonies may have these residues, the sources said.
There is also ignorance about EU's strict food safety standards. EIC regularly sends to EU the data regarding tests on honey samples meant for export.
Noting an increase in the samples that failed this test, EU now wants to ban honey imports from India instead of blacklisting a few who export contaminated honey, they said. Canada had rejected some Indian honey consignments alleging adulteration with cane sugar, an official said, adding, "Some exporters are importing adulterated Chinese honey and re-exporting illegally to markets such as the EU and Canada. This is giving a bad name to all."
Says Mr S.K. Babu, Managing Director of Eco-green Unit, a community based organisation, "We think bee keepers don't maintain quality. Some exporters mix raw sugar to make honey sweeter which makes it impure."
Source : Business Line