>  To Bee- L overs
>        Regarding multiple recent postings about the use of unapproved and
>experimental chemicals on U S and Canadian honeybees, the confusion about
>bee feed supplements , and the abuse of approved honeybee medications the
>question arises WHO is protecting the health of the U S consumer from
>contaminated honey?
>        The U S in 1995 imported 40.2 thousands metric tons (88 million lb
>of honey from Argentina ,China and Canada to the tune of $47.1 million
>dollars at 1995 prices .The 1995 U S honey production was 210 million  lb
>(down 3 percent) from 2.65 million colonies down from 1994 count of 2.77
>million hives (120,000 hives lost and 110,000 hives lost the year before).
>The U S exported 9 million lb.in 1995.
>        What are the testing standards of this imported honey ? What are the
>testing standards of U S honey ?Who regulates the health and safety of
>American citzens as they eat their honey daily ?Does the U S D A or the F D
>A  ? Does anyone have some answers ?
>           It seems that a multi national panel should be assembled under
>peer review to determine whats is and what is not approved regarding the use
>of chemicals with honeybees in the production of honey for human
>consumption and then testing must be implemented to insure compliance with
>the findings.
>           Come on U S D A give us some answers .
>
>                Honeybees need our help and we need honey eaters.    aloha
>PATTON IN PARADISE
>
>Walter & Elisabeth Patton,  27-703 A Ka' ie'ie Rd., Papaikou HI.,96781
>    Ph./Fax. 808-964-5401       E-Mail  hihoney@ilhawaii
>
>Beekeeper and Bed  & Breakfast Owner in Hawaii
>
>  http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/hihoney.htm
>http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/beeware.htm
>   http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/lamalani.htm
 
Walter:
 
I am not an exporter of honey, but I do know that we in Canada have
inspectors payed for by the government to check each load going out of
Canada. No ticket no ship.
 
Also each honey house that ships has to be a registered. The inspector I
know does spot checks, he does not phone ahead.
 
I don't know what other countries do but that is what happens here!
 
Ivan