Roger White observed: > The antibiotic found in chinese honey is BANNED > in the EU and has been for many years. End of story. The antibiotic was "found" at the very limits of detection. The interesting point, ignored by all concerned, is that the contamination may have "been there" for years, as only the newest equipment, combined with very specific techniques, can "find" the "contamination". The problem is that a rational person, aware of the limits of such equipment and methodologies, is forced to admit that: a) Such findings of tiny levels are a probability, not an absolute certainty. b) A complete list of what OTHER substances are "detectable" in honey at the same tiny levels might be a very entertaining document, one that would undermine the credibility of the claim that the honey was "contaminated". At such low levels, it can be argued that one can "find" anything one wishes to find. c) While the preponderance of the evidence points towards a conclusion that the honey was in fact contaminated with this specific antibiotic, the problem is that the definition of "zero" has become much more rigorous with the availability of equipment that can detect parts per trillion. When regulations contain flat statements like "zero", while the practical definition of "zero" is "below the threshold of detection", each new wave of shiny toys brings a risk of additional "scares" like this one. When "zero" is a moving target, "zero" is clearly not zero, and anyone saying "zero" is misleading the public. I would guess that the next big "honey scare" will be an environmental contaminant. The new gear is capable of detecting the "residue" of such pollution in honey made from nectar gathered from plants in a polluted area. At what point does everyone admit that NO agricultural crop can be "pure" at the level of "parts-per-trillion"? At what point does everyone calm down and admit that, except for radioactive elements, none of it matters? And why is honey examined so intently in regard to "purity", when other foods that make up a much larger portion of people's diets are ignored? jim :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::