Thanks Fernando and Ari for your replies. 

Our most recent testing for AFB was in 2016 by the National Bee Diagnostic Centre in Beaverlodge, Alberta, using PCR methodology. Honey was not sampled. All results negative.

Re. AFB spores in honey and import restrictions, for South Africa I see this on-line: “The Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972), makes provision for the control over the safety and quality aspects of the sale, manufacture and importation of foodstuffs, as well as of aspects such as labelling.  It prohibits the sale or importation of any foodstuff, including honey, which does not comply with the provisions of the Act.  The Act also provides for the irradiation requirements of certain food products, which include honey, and labelling requirements on food products subjected to irradiation measures to ensure consumers are not misled and can make informed choices.

The Directorate: Plant Health and Quality of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) is responsible for laying down specific phyto-sanitary requirements for certain products which includes imported honey which needs to be irradiated to prevent the dissemination of the pathogen Bacillus larvae, which causes American Foul Brood.  Any person wishing to import honey into South Africa must first and foremost comply with section 3 (1) of the Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 (36/1983) for a Permit for the Importation of Controlled Goods from DAFF subject to conditions laid down by the authority.  The importer must produce this permit signed by DAFF before the Department of Health may proceed with processing of the application for irradiation of the imported honey.” 

http://www.sabio.org.za/honey-info/

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html