Bill > HR2162

This bill establishes the Honey Integrity Act, which aims to protect the quality and authenticity of honey sold in the United States through several key provisions. Within one year of enactment, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must establish a standard of identity for honey based on United States Pharmacopeia standards. The bill requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress within two years detailing enforcement actions against adulterated or misbranded honey. A comprehensive Honey Integrity Program will be created to detect economically motivated adulteration (EMA), which is defined as intentionally modifying honey to increase its value fraudulently. Qualifying commercial honey packers (those paying assessments to the National Honey Board) must conduct rigorous scientific testing on their honey using advanced techniques like DNA testing, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry. These packers must report testing results, certify their honey's integrity, and immediately report and refuse any honey found to be adulterated. If EMA is identified, the Secretary must investigate, potentially destroy the honey, and share data with relevant enforcement agencies. The bill also establishes a fee system to fund the program and requires interagency cooperation, particularly between the FDA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Agriculture, to ensure comprehensive honey quality control.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2162/all-info