Chloramphenicol in chinese honey

Tuesday 19 February 2002

Category B: For Action

To: Heads of Environmental Health Services via Principal Officer (Food Safety)
Copy to: Directors of Trading Standards - For information only

A Category D Food Hazard Warning (Ref 04/2002) was issued on 7 February following the detection of streptomycin residues in honey from China. The Hazard Warning advised that the Food Standards Agency would be carrying out further tests on honey and other POAO.

The Food Standards Agency has now received results on the further analyses of samples of honey, which have tested positive for chloramphenicol. This antibiotic has been associated with aplastic anaemia and is linked to cancer, but, at the levels found, presents a very small risk to public health. While this drug may be used in human medicine, its presence in honey is illegal. It has been banned by Europe for use on animals since 1994.

The Food Standards Agency has agreed with the major retailers and suppliers that all honey originating from China and blended honey containing Chinese honey should be withdrawn from retail sale. Given the very small risk, consumers can continue to use any honey they have already bought.

We have today issued the attached press release. Q & As are also attached for local authorities and consumers. Test results can be found on the Agency website: www.food.gov.uk

ANY ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE CONTENTS OF THIS FOOD HAZARD WARNING SHOULD BE MADE TO YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY

END