In continuation to what we reported earlier (please refer to the e-mail in trail), the Agriculture Ministry has notified the Honey Grading and Marking Rules, 2024 (“Rules”) in supersession of existing Honey Grading and Marking Rules, 2008. The Rules aim to establish comprehensive standards for grading, marking and packaging honey intended for human consumption. The classification includes several types of honey, such as Blossom Honey or Nectar Honey, Carvia Callosa Honey, and Honeydew Honey.

The Rules outline stringent requirements for authorized packers involved in grading and marking honey:

1. The grade designation mark shall consist of “AGMARK Insignia” incorporating the certificate of authorisation number, the word “AGMARK”, the name of commodity and a grade designation resembling the design specified in Schedule-I.
2. The quality of Honey and the grade designation to indicate the same is specified in Schedule-II.
3. Packing: Honey must be packed in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules. The packaging sizes must comply with these Rules or be approved by the Agricultural Marketing Adviser. Containers should not be composed wholly or partly of any poisonous or deleterious substances which renders the contents injurious to health. Containers should not contain harmful substances and must be free from insect infestation, fungus contamination, and should not impart any undesirable odor or flavor. Screwed caps should be made of non-corrosive and non-reactive material. Small packs of graded honey from the same lot can be packed in a master container with complete details and a grade designation mark. Each package must contain honey of the same type and grade designation, and must be securely closed and sealed to prevent spilling.:
4. Marking and Labelling: The grade designation mark must be securely affixed or clearly printed on each honey package as approved by the Agricultural Marketing Adviser. Packaging must comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. Each package must clearly display the commodity name, C.A. number, grade, lot or batch number, date of manufacture or packaging, nutritional information, net quantity, packer’s name and address (printed and/or scannable), maximum retail price, expiry date, storage conditions, and other required details. The ink used must not contaminate the honey. Following labelling provisions made under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 and the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020: Honey must be labelled as Honeydew Honey, Blend of Honeydew Honey and Blossom Honey, Carvia Callosa Honey, or Pressed Honey, according to definitions provided. It may also be labelled by floral source if it meets pollen content criteria: Monofloral Honey (at least 45% from one species) or Multifloral Honey (no single species over 45%). Authorized packers can mark their trade brands on packages with prior approval, ensuring it does not imply a different quality than the grade designation mark.
5. In addition to the conditions specified in sub-rule (8) of rule 3 of the General Grading and Marking Rules, Authorized packers must either establish their own laboratory as per the General Grading and Marking Rules or have access to an approved laboratory staffed by a qualified chemist. Packers’ premises must be hygienic, well-ventilated, and well-lit, with personnel in good health. Storage facilities must have pucca floors, be free from dampness, cracks, crevices, and infestations. Packers and chemists must follow all testing, grading, packing, marking, sealing, and record-keeping instructions issued by the Agricultural Marketing Adviser. The surrounding area must be free from objectionable odors, smoke, dust, or contaminants, and all equipment and utensils must be made of food-grade stainless steel.

Background:

The Agriculture Ministry had invited comments on the Draft Honey Grading and Marking Rules, 2023 superseding the Honey Grading and Marking Rules, 2008 (please refer to e-mail in trail for further details). Basis consideration of objections and suggestions received from the public, the Agriculture Ministry has notified the Honey Grading and Marking Rules, 2024

Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare

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