The beekeeping group “Biene Österreich” warns that fake honey — mixed with sugar syrup but sold as “real honey” — is increasingly showing up in European supermarkets, including in Austria. The group’s chairman, Wolfgang Pointecker, says current testing methods are outdated and can be manipulated. He points to findings by the German TV program Frontal, which uncovered serious issues in the honey trade.
Pointecker is calling for a change in how honey is tested in the EU. Right now, most labs use NMR analysis (a type of molecular test). But he says this should be replaced by DNA testing, which is more accurate in detecting fake or adulterated honey.
“For Austrian beekeepers and quality producers, this would be a major step toward protecting their products and restoring consumer trust,” he said, urging the government to take action.
Half of Austria’s Honey Is Imported
Austria has around 33,000 beekeepers — both professionals and hobbyists — who produce about 4,000 tons of honey each year. But that only covers half of what the country consumes, so large amounts of honey are imported. Much of it is of lower quality, coming from both EU and non-EU countries, local producers have long complained.
