BILL ANALYSIS
AB 1216
Page 1
Date of Hearing: April 29, 2009
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
Cathleen Galgiani, Chair
AB 1216 (Evans) - As Amended: April 21, 2009
SUBJECT : Honey.
SUMMARY : Changes the definition of honey for labeling purposes
to conform to new standards. Specifically, this bill :
1)Defines honey as a natural food product produced by honeybees,
consisting of sugars, organic acids, enzymes and solids
derived from honey collection.
2)Defines honey as having a variety of color, taste, smell and
consistency.
3)Defines honey as not having any food additives, or any other
additives, and is not chemically or bio-chemically treated to
affect crystallization.
4)Requires honey to meet the following standards:
a) No water added to honey and moisture content shall not
exceed 23%;
b) The fructose to glucose ration is greater than .09%.
Sucrose or maltose shall not exceed 10%, with the exception
of lavender or borage honey, which shall not exceed 15%
sucrose; and,
c) The Carbon Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis shall be lower
than -20.0.
5)Requires any product containing honey and any flavoring, spice
or food additive, or honey that is substantially changed due
to processing, be labeled differently from honey.
6)Allows honey to be called by its floral or plant source name,
if it is primarily from that source and is consistent with the
properties of that source. When called by a flora or plant
source, the common botanical name shall be joined with the
word "honey."
AB 1216
Page 2
7)Allows honey to be called according to the following styles:
honey in a liquid or crystal state or a mix of both; comb
honey; or, cut comb honey.
EXISTING LAW defines honey, for labeling purposes, as floral
nectar, gathered and stored in honeycomb by honey bees,
containing not more then 20% water, 1/25 of 1% ash, and not more
than 8% sucrose. Honey must also have a specific gravity of
less then 1.412 and weighing at least 11 pounds and 12 ounces
per gallon. (Food and Agriculture Code Section 29413)
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown. This bill has been keyed fiscal by
Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS : This bill changes the current definition of honey to
create a uniform definition for honey that will protect honey
consumers, packers, and producers from deceptive product
labeling. This is part of an effort to make a uniform honey
definition across the United States. This bill uses a
definition that takes into account the many varieties of honey
and is based on updated scientific standards. The State of
Florida is currently reviewing a new definition of honey similar
to the definition in this bill and will complete the process by
June 2009.
A recent investigative news report details problems with honey
adulteration, honey labeling and imported honey. The report
found that without a uniform standard for honey it is difficult
to prosecute someone for adulteration of honey. (Andrew
Schneider, "Honey Laundering", Seattle Post-Intelligencer ,
December 25, 2008)
Adulterated honey violates labeling requirements and truth in
labeling laws. This bill would remedy this problem and provide
consumer protection.
Carbon Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis is a process used to test
the authenticity of many different foods, including honey, maple
syrup, fruit juice and mushrooms.
As written, this bill appears to expand the labeling of honey to
food products containing honey (page 2, lines 32-38). The
author's office and the sponsor, California State Beekeepers
Association, stated this is not their intent. The Committee may
wish to consider the following amendment: On page 2, lines 32
AB 1216
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-38, strike the words "Foods containing honey and any flavoring,
spice, or food additive, or honey processed in such a way that a
modification of honey occurs that materially changes the flavor,
color, viscosity, or other material characteristic of pure
honey, shall be distinguished in the food name from honey by
declaration of the food additive or modification."
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
California State Beekeepers Association (sponsor)
Opposition
None on file.
Analysis Prepared by : Victor Francovich / AGRI. / (916)
319-2084