Berlin (dpa) – For honey, some properties are clearly stated on the jars. However, regarding origin, the labels often only say: mixture “from EU countries and non-EU countries.” Such vague information must soon become more specific according to a European directive, namely with the countries of origin depending on the weight percentage. The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture is now initiating a regulation for national implementation. Consumer advocates welcome this as overdue and urge for further mandatory origin labeling.
Minister Alois Rainer told the German Press Agency: “With the exact indication of origin, it is clear where the honey comes from with every jar. This is the transparency we need.” Clear labeling for consumers ensures fairness in competition and also makes it easier for everyone to choose local products.
Previous labeling vague
So far, the country of origin must generally be indicated, as already established by an EU directive. However, if the jar’s contents come from several countries, it can still be general information for the entire honey mixture: from the 27 EU countries, from “non-EU countries” around the globe, or simply a “mixture of honey from EU countries and non-EU countries.”
The consumer organization Foodwatch has long criticized: “For aliens, such labeling may be interesting.” Because it conveys no more than “Origin: Planet Earth.” Somewhat more specific are indications like “from Latin America” or “Chile, Guatemala, and Uruguay.”
However, a mandatory country of origin labeling for mixtures will now be introduced, as explained by a ministry spokesperson. The countries must be listed in descending order of their share and additionally with the weight percentage in percent. A single country of origin is to be indicated as before without a percentage, so for example “Honey from Germany.”
New rules to take effect from mid-2026
The directive adopted at the EU level in 2024 must be implemented into German law by December 14. The new regulations are set to come into effect on June 14, 2026. It applies: “What has been produced, filled, and labeled according to the previous requirements by the deadline can also be sold after the deadline,” explained the ministry spokesperson. A transition period of 24 months has thus been created for the economy.
Foodwatch managing director Chris Methmann commented on the new regulations: “A transparent origin labeling for honey is long overdue.” Consumers want to know where their food comes from. There must be consistent controls against “honey adulteration,” for example with sugar syrup.
Germany is a honey-importing country
The background of honey mixtures is generally that production in Germany does not meet demand. The self-sufficiency rate fell by 5 percentage points to 37 percent last year, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture. Accordingly, 72,600 tons were imported. The main countries of origin by quantity were Ukraine (22 percent), Argentina (14 percent), Romania, and Mexico (7 percent each). (September 8)
