Product Withdrawal: Honey imported from China
Thursday 7 February 2002
Category D: For information only
Heads of Environmental Health Services and Directors of Trading Standards will be aware that the EU Scientific Veterinary Committee recommended the suspension of imports of Chinese products of animal origin (POAO).
Information on this issue has been sent to Border Inspection Posts.
On being made aware that a Commission Decision was likely on the above topic, the Agency instigated a programme of safety checks of POAO from China, which were already available to the consumer in shops.
Honey testing was undertaken as part of this programme.
Fifteen samples of honey were obtained and seven samples tested positive for residues of the veterinary drug streptomycin, which is used to treat bacterial diseases in cattle, sheep and pigs.
This drug is not permitted to be used on bees in the EU.
The sample obtained from an Asda Supermarket was described as being from China, whilst the rest of the positive samples were described as blended products, in which honey of Chinese origin was used.
The streptomycin residues found do not give rise to a food safety concern and the public can continue to consume honey already bought from the list below.
Nevertheless honey should not legally contain streptomycin and the Agency has advised the relevant companies of the test results.
[Relevant legislation: Animals & Animal Products (Examination for Residues and MRLs) Regulations 1997 - SI 1997 No. 1729].
The companies are co-operating fully in the withdrawal of the products, which is now underway.
Details of the affected product involved are as follows:
Asda
Asda Acacia Honey
454g jar.
Gales
Gales Pure Honey (Set)
454g jar.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's Runny Clear Honey
454g plastic bottle.
Sainsbury's Pure Clear Blended Honey
454g jar.
Tesco
Tesco Pure Set Honey
454g jar.
Tesco Finest Acacia Honey
454g jar.
Tesco Pure Clear Honey
454g jar.
Additional Information:
The Agency is carrying out further tests on honey and other POAO and further advice will be issued to Food Authorities, if necessary.
In addition a news release was put out yesterday and may be seen on the Agency website.
The Home Authority for Sainsburys is the Corporation of London, and the relevant officer is Marcia Blackburn, who may be contacted on 020 7606 3030.
The Home Authority for Asda Stores Ltd is Leeds City Council, and the relevant officer is Andy Singleton, who may be contacted on 0113 247 6284.
The Home Authority for Tesco Stores is Broxbourne BC and the relevant officer is Annabel Caine, who may be contacted on 01992 785569.
The Home Authority for Gales, part of the Nestle Group of companies, is the London Borough of Croydon and the relevant officer is Brian Griffiths, who may be contacted on 020 8760 5466.
END