The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) warned consumers against fake honey products.
The DOST disclosed that 80% of the honey products it reviews are fake or mixed with sugar. The DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) advised the public to carefully check the honey products they are using.
According to the department, out of the 76 brands of honey, 62 are fake or mixed with sugar. Its study also showed that 95% of the ingredients are C4 sugar syrup. Out of 16 local brands in groceries or souvenir shops, 12 are mixed honey while 74 local honey sold online are not pure. Only the imported honey is distinguished as pure.
The Philippine National Standard for Honey stated that there must be no food additives or any substance added in the honey being sold. However, PNRI Director Carlo Arcilla shared that identifying fake and pure honey is not easy.
Meanwhile, the DOST is coordinating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue standards on the honey being sold because the public might unknowingly put their health at risk in buying fake honey products.
Report from Cleizl Pardilla
