On Sun, 19 Feb 2006 14:59:46 -0500, Lloyd Spear <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>From those beekeepers I know, they annually test samples of the honey for 
> several antibiotic and pesticide contaminates.
>
>I also find the statement 'pesticide free' remarkable, but not necessarily
>deceptive.  IMHO, the real question is do they do enough of a test on each
>producer to warrant such a label statement?  Dunno.

Yes, Lloyd, thank you.  That's the more complete story, exactly as I 
understand the matter, too.  Perhaps I should have been more precise 
before, but my mind wasn't altogether on the subject.  Thanks for filling 
in and clearing up what I neglected.

I used the word deceptive for three reasons.  First and most important, I'm 
pretty sure a majority of their customers are going to think "pesticide 
free" means "produced without the use of pesticides."  If you use a phrase 
knowing that a majority of your customers will misunderstand it, then I 
find that deceptive.

Secondly, there's your concern, Lloyd, that the testing may not be 
extensive enough, in terms of the numbers of jars/batches tested from each 
of their producers, to warrant the claim.

Thirdly, there's the question of what they tested for, and I suspect there 
are potential contaminants they didn't test for, to say nothing of the 
ability of their testing methods to detect low levels of pesticides.

But I also recognize that they're making really good money, and their 
customers, I'm sure, are plenty happy in their ignorance.  I'm just not 
giving them my endorsement.

Eric

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