Beekeeping is struggling to persist
**Press Release: European Beekeeping Association Warns of Counterfeit Honey Threat on World Food Day**
On World Food Day, the European Beekeeping Association (EBA) has issued a pressing alert regarding the increasing danger of counterfeit honey in European markets. With an estimated 50% of the honey market in Europe at risk of being counterfeit by 2030, the EBA calls for swift action to safeguard consumers, beekeepers, and biodiversity.
**The Gravity of the Situation**
Counterfeit and adulterated honey pose a significant threat to the quality, safety, and economic sustainability of legitimate honey production. The continuous competition from low-priced, imported goods that may not adhere to EU standards continues to endanger the livelihoods of local beekeepers and the integrity of food supply chains [2][3]. This trend not only jeopardises the market but also threatens environmental sustainability, as authentic beekeeping practices are essential for ecosystem health and pollination services.
**Call to Action**
The EBA urges governments, regulatory bodies, and consumers to:
- **Strengthen the enforcement of honey standards and labeling requirements** - **Support local beekeepers by choosing certified, locally produced honey** - **Raise awareness about the risks of counterfeit products through education and public campaigns** - **Collaborate with international partners to curb fraudulent imports**
**A Call to Consumers**
"By purchasing genuine honey, you're supporting responsible beekeeping and contributing to environmental protection. Always verify the origin and certification of your honey before making a purchase," a spokesperson for the European Beekeeping Association emphasised.
**Multilingual Dissemination**
This press release is being disseminated in 15 languages to reach consumers, policymakers, and stakeholders across Europe. The EBA encourages all recipients to share this warning far and wide and to use World Food Day as an opportunity to celebrate authentic, sustainably produced food.
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*For more information or interviews, please contact the European Beekeeping Association press office.*
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This press release can be tailored and translated into additional languages as necessary for distribution.
*The press release is aimed at raising awareness among European consumers about the benefits of genuine European honey and the risks associated with counterfeit honey.*
*Media outlets are requested to share links to their publications.*
In light of the pressing alert issued by the European Beekeeping Association (EBA) on World Food Day, it is essential to reinforce the consumption of certified, locally produced health-and-wellness products such as honey, which not only offers numerous benefits for our bodies but also supports the sustainability of the environment and biodiversity. For this reason, it is crucial to take action by strengthening the enforcement of science-backed standards, supporting local beekeepers, and raising awareness about the risks of adulterated foods. Moreover, as we emphasize the importance of authentic and sustainable food-and-drink choices, it is vital to recognize the significant role that genuine honey plays in maintaining a balanced lifestyle and ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future.
