EU bans Indian honey imports

Jun 19, 2010 |

New Delhi

The 27-nation European Union has banned imports of Indian honey, alleging that consignments of the natural nectar from the country are contaminated with lead.
The commerce secretary, Mr Rahul Khullar, on Friday said the government was looking at ways to resolve the issue of import ban. The ban was put in place about a month ago.

“They (EU) are saying that they will not accept any shipments from here. There are problems of lead contamination and residue in the honey. I am trying to fix it,” Mr Khullar said.
The EU is the second largest destination for Indian honey exports after the US. India exports honey to over 60 countries. India’s total honey exports totalled $32.39 million in 2008-09, a quarter ($7.7 million) of which went to the EU.
An official said some producers use antibiotics to restrict bacterial growth in bee colonies and its residue might have collected in the honey. — PTI

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