Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) shared its investigation report with FSSAI on honey adulteration and false claims made to sell it. 10 out of 13 honey brands fail the purity test.
Honey’s Murky Business
CSE recently revealed adulteration in honey brands which are sold claiming to meet all Indian standards. The environment watchdog reported sophisticated honey adulteration business going on in the country and how smoothly it passes through the FSSAI’s standards. Further, it mentioned the use of jugglery language by companies to sell honey.
Several prominent brands, including Dabur, Patanjali, Baidyanath, Zandu, Hitkari, and Apis Himalaya failed NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) test, the gold standard test for the quality of honey. These were found adulterated with sugar syrups. Only Saffola, MarkfedSohna, and Nature’s Nectar passed this test.
Honey Connection with China
CSE highlighted the three types of syrups — golden syrup, invert sugar syrup, and rice syrup used in the adulteration of honey in India. Further, it mentioned that despite FSSAI’s warning to importers and state goods commissioners, the honey adulterants have still entered the country.
CSE investigated online trade portals advertising fructose syrup that can bypass test. On inspection, it founded that the same Chinese companies are exporting this fructose to India. It was only after conducting an undercover operation that Chinese exporters informed them via email that even 80% of adulterated honey will pass stipulated tests. Soon, they received samples of the adulterated honey. Thereafter, it also tracked down manufacturers of syrup for honey adulteration in Jaspur, Uttarakhand and obtained samples from there too. Amit Khurana, program director of CSE’s Food Safety and Toxins team, claimed that 50% adulterated honey passed FSSAI standard tests. Sunita Narain, CSE Director-General said that the government must test the samples using advanced technology and hold companies responsible.
Dabur Claims its Honey as Pure
Rejecting the findings of the CSE report, Dabur claims that it is the only company to have an NMR testing machine in their laboratory. Further, it added that the reports are misaligning the brand. Similarly, Patanjali and Emami have questioned the reports too. However, CSE stood firm on the results and clarifies that it’s not about Dabur but consumer’s health. Besides, reports of the results are reliable as it involves experts’ interpretation.
On CSE findings, FSSAI said that NMR testing has limited utility in India. It is a data-driven detection and hence needs a prior database. However, no database exists on Indian honey. Besides, the cost of NMR testing is also high. However, it will analyze CSE’s reports and suggest improvements.
In all, the reports uncovered sugar syrup being sold in the name of honey in India by famous brands.