Kildare-based beekeeper welcomes new EU honey labelling changes
The new rules require honey labels to clearly list the country of origin
A beekeeper from County Kildare has welcomed new European Union (EU) honey labelling changes, which she claims allows for greater transparency of the origins of honey.
During the summer, the EU decided to update legislation which introduced strengthened requirements for the labelling of honey in relation to the declaration of country of origin.
The move was welcomed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, and now, Kirsten Armstrong of Roseberry Honey in Newbridge has told the Leinster Leader that she also welcomes the change.
Explaining her support for the update, Kirsten said: “The new rules are important because they help consumers make buying decisions and improve transparency.
“Instead of saying ‘a blend of EU or non-EU honey’, now the labels have to list in order the country that the honey has come from, and a lot of people don't seem to be aware that a vast amount was coming from Asia, South America and Central America.”
She continued: “The rules came into effect in June, but only now are we beginning to see the correct labelling on shelves, because products packaged before then were allowed to remain on the market.
“A large amount of honey is imported into Ireland, so people need to know its origin and about the quality before making buying decisions.
Kirsten also claimed that there are ‘questions’ about the quality of honey when it is being sold so cheaply.
Furthermore, she expressed her view that honey is at its best in ‘it's purest form’.
In addition, Kirsten told the Leader that she has been in business for a year, and she has been enjoying it: “It was great! We found that a lot of people are looking for local honey to help with pollen allergies and in winter as a remedy for sore throats.
“Last year, we made some gift sets around Christmas and our customers loved being able to buy local gifts, so we will do the same again this year.”
Moreover, she revealed that Roseberry Honey, which is also a member of both the North Kildare Beekeepers Association (NKBA) and the Native Irish Honey Bee Society, has plans to expand with a line of beeswax products and candles.
ADVICE
When asked about what tips she would you give to someone who wants to buy local honey and / or wants to take up beekeeping, Kirsten had this to say: “Do your research before you buy your honey!
“There are lots of hobby beekeepers, like ourselves, selling honey locally, so ask around, as someone will usually know somebody.
“Raw honey is full of local pollen, nutrients, and natural enzymes, the less processed the better. It is a great relief for sore throats in the winter and hay fever leading into the spring and summer.”
She also advised: “If you have an interest in taking up beekeeping the best place to start is with your local beekeeping group; this way you'll get hands-on experience and a chance to chat with more experienced beekeepers before taking the leap into buying the equipment (which can be quite expensive) and bees.
Lastly, Kirsten pointed out that both the NKBA and the South Kildare Beekeeping Association (SBKA) are ‘always open and welcome new members’.
She elaborated: “The NKBA will run their beginner beekeeping course early next year around March / April; the course consists of a few weeks of lectures in spring, followed by apiary visits in the summer.
“This is a great way for beginners to get up close with the bees and learn about how to care for them properly with help from more experienced beekeepers.
Anyone seeking further information about Roseberry Honey can visit its official Instagram page.