>    Large producers are held to much HIGHER standards than
>    any hobbyist would be...
>    I seriously doubt that more than a tiny number of hobbyist
>    beekeepers (US, UK, or anywhere) who sell their honey direct
>    to the consumer could produce honey capable of passing the
>    tests applied by packers and brokers to the honey sold in
>    bulk by larger producers.

I have stated here before that I, personally, would be quite reluctant
to consume any quantity of honey sold by an unknown hobbyist beekeeper.

Although I am sure that many backlot beekeepers produce honey of very
high quality and purity, after knowing a large number of beekeepers,
both hobby and commercial, and a decade of reading this list,
sci.ag.bee, and several foreign language bee lists, I am equally
convinced that a very significant proportion of backyard beekeepers are
seriously uninformed, uncritical, incompetant, gullible -- and creative.
That is a very dangerous combination of qualities to find in anyone
supplying or preparing food.

Although a small subset of hobby and sideline beekeepers is more
competant, informed, and scrupulous, than the average commercial
beekeeper, commercial beekeepers are -- in the main -- better informed,
more experienced, better equipped, better monitored, and generally a
much safer bet.  Anyone can make a mistake or cut corners, but
commercial beekeepers know that a mistake or incautious action could
cost them their livelihood, their reputation, a possible ruinous
lawsuit, or prosecution.  As a result, they are very careful.  On the
other hand, many who keep a few hives (some of whom lose them over and
over again) tend to try anything that comes along, and believe that they
can put anything into a beehive with impunity.

As I've said before, unless I know you, or you are running a respectable
commercial outfit, I'm not sure I want to eat honey you produce, (and
maybe, if I know you, I am sure I don't want to eat honey you produce).

That applies to some foreign honey too.  Although many operators in many
offshore countries -- notably Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina --
usually meet, and can even document high standards, some of what is
offered on the market is just not honey, some of it is produced under
conditions that would not pass even a lax inspection on this continent,
and some of it comes from untraceable sources.  No amount of testing
will ever 100% guarantee what it is.

Interestingly, authorities in North America are now waking up to the
dangers that can lurk in product from unknown sources and I predict that
within ten years, and more likely five or less, food suppliers will have
to document the source and production methods for any food sold to the
public in quantity.

Such controls and inspections are seldom extended down to the farmers
market or church bazzar level and small sales from the 'farm gate' are
usually exempt.  Buyers of food from commercial channels are protected
to a degree that those who buy from small operators are not.

Caveat emptor.

allen
http://www.honeybeeworld.com/diary/

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