Independent testing shows that most "Honey" isn't Honey

If you need another reason to buy local on more things check out this report from FoodSafetyNews.com - Tests Show Most Store Honey Isn't Honey.

The upshot is that according to the FDA honey that's been ultra-filtered to remove all pollen can't be considered honey. The reason for the rule is simply - it allows for the hiding of a honey's origin and allows honey from producing countries with known problems to hit your shelves. Namely this technique, which involves diluting the honey and forcing it under pressure through insanely tight filters, is an added expense that most manufacturers aren't going to fund unless they're nuttily worried about clarity or are trying to hide illegal Chinese and Indian honey.

Chinese honey has been found to use illegal antibiotics and other adulterants and has been tarriffed off the US market since the early 2000's. Indian honeys contain sources of metals considered toxic and thus banned in the EU (but not the US). The problem is most of this honey is incredibly cheap, so people have a reason to try and sell it.

When you're looking at the store shelf and thinking to yourself "Great Deal", remember there's usually a reason. The meat may be on the verge of spoiling, the product is cheaply constructed or it may be toxic to you in the long run.

Fortunately the LA region is home to several fantastic apiarists. Sadly, one of our big locals (Millers) is part of Groeb's Farms which is pinged in that report.

Remember make your mead with good honey, not with the cheap crap on the shelf! I know we joke about polluting our livers with our beers and our meads, but seriously let's not add actual toxic crap to our favorite ancient beverage!