The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today welcomes the introduction of new EU labelling rules for honey, which came into effect on 14th June 2026.
The updated legislation introduces strengthened requirements for the labelling of honey in relation to the declaration of country of origin. Under the new rules, all countries of origin for blended honey must be clearly indicated on the label, in descending order of weight, along with the percentage contribution of each country. This information must be presented in the principal field of vision of the product, ensuring it is easily visible to consumers at the point of purchase.
Country of origin declaration applies to honey produced, packaged, labelled and for sale on the market after 14 June 2026. Before this date, origin declaration for honey had more general descriptions such as ‘a blend of EU honeys’ or ‘a blend of EU and non-EU honeys’, without further detail on the specific countries of origin. Honey produced, packaged, labelled and on the market on or before 14 June 2026, will legitimately remain on the market for several months with this previously acceptable origin declaration so it will therefore take some time before consumers see this change on the labels.
Welcoming the changes to the EU labelling rules for honey, Mr Greg Dempsey, (Chief Executive, FSAI), stated that improved origin labelling for honey will enhance transparency, support informed consumer choice and strengthen trust in honey products available on the Irish market. “The new EU labelling requirements for honey represent a positive development for both consumers and for food businesses. Providing clearer information on the country of origin of honey supports informed decision-making by consumers, while also promoting fairness and greater transparency across the supply chain. The new EU rules provide clarity for food businesses on how country of origin information must be declared on honey. All food businesses placing honey on the market after 14 June are required to ensure that their labelling complies with these new requirements.”
All food businesses involved in the production, packing, distribution or sale of honey must ensure that their labels are fully compliant with the new EU requirements. The FSAI will continue to work with official agencies and food businesses to support compliance with the legislation and to ensure that consumers are provided with accurate and clear information about the food they purchase.
See New Honey labelling requirements HERE.
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