H.R. 2162: Honey Integrity Act (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, known as the Honey Integrity Act, aims to protect the quality and authenticity of honey sold in the United States. Here’s a summary of the key components:

Establishment of Honey Standards

The bill mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a standard of identity for honey within one year of its enactment. This standard will be based on relevant United States Pharmacopeia guidelines.

Reporting on Misbranded Honey

Within two years of enactment, the Secretary must report to Congress regarding enforcement actions taken against honey that is misbranded or adulterated. This is in accordance with existing regulations under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

The Honey Integrity Program

The bill establishes the Honey Integrity Program, which is designed to detect economic adulteration of honey and improve its authenticity in interstate commerce. Key elements include:

Mandatory Testing: Starting 180 days after enactment, commercial honey packers must conduct tests on honey that they intend to market in the U.S. They are also required to certify that they are not involved with adulterated honey.
Testing Methods: Honey testing must utilize advanced scientific methods, including DNA testing and high-resolution mass spectrometry, to ensure reliable results.
Reporting Findings: Packagers must report their testing findings to the Secretary, especially if they identify economically motivated adulteration in any honey.

ID and Management of Adulterated Honey

If economically motivated adulteration is detected, the Secretary is responsible for investigating, testing, and potentially destroying the contaminated honey. This includes maintaining a database that is shared with various enforcement agencies and stakeholders.

List of Honey Packers

The Secretary is tasked with publishing and updating a list of qualifying commercial honey packers that comply with the defined standards, as well as those excluded from this category.

Interagency Cooperation

The Secretary will consult with other federal agencies, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Agriculture, to develop and implement testing methodologies. These agencies are also expected to provide necessary resources and laboratories if required.

Fees and Funding

Commercial honey packers will be required to pay a fee, the specifics of which will be determined by the Secretary. This funding will help support the implementation of the Honey Integrity Program and will be made available for use as specified in appropriations acts.

Definitions

The bill includes definitions for important terms such as “economically motivated adulteration” and “qualifying commercial honey packer”, ensuring clarity on who is affected by the regulations and what practices are considered adulteration.