Hello fellow beekeepers, Today I contacted the Texas Health Department and found someone that could answer some of my questions about the rules regarding the sale of honey and the sanitary requirements involved. I was told that in Texas honey is a raw agricultural product until it is extracted and bottled at which time it becomes a manufactured food product. Once it is bottled and labeled, you can not give it away or sell it without a permit (I was so speechless, I failed to ask whether you could legally give it away without a label). When you put a picture of a bee, a picture of a skep or hive, or the word "honey" on the label, it can contain NO pollen, wax, or bee "parts". I asked about comb honey and was told that if it had the word "honey" on the label, it could contain no comb because it is not PURE honey and that the wax weighs less than honey and since honey is sold by weight, it could not legally be sold. The only way bee pollen could be sold would be as pure pollen. I asked if there was any provision for the person having only a couple of hives and was assured that Texas has no "cottage" or kitchen exemption. When we finally got to the sanitary requirements, those were similar to those of a restuarant (or dairy farm). The facility would be inspected probably once a year, possibly more often. One "good" thing, if you sell less than $10,000 in honey per year, the permit fee is only $25. I realize I could have misunderstood or misinterpreted some of the things I was told and encourage anyone interested to call the manufactured foods division at the health department in Austin (512-719-0243). Now, other than contact my state representatives, does ANYONE have any suggestions on how to get this changed. If you do, PLEASE let me know! Thanks! Kathy and Johnny Tate Stephenville, TX <[log in to unmask]>