Cyprus has passed a new law to protect customers and help local beekeepers. The law, agreed on June 6, 2024, creates clearer rules about what can be called honey. It will start on June 13, 2025. The goal is to stop confusion in shops and make sure people know exactly what they are buying.
For many years, some products sold as honey contained very little real honey. Instead, they were often mixes of sweeteners and flavours. This was unfair to both consumers and honest beekeepers. The new rules from the Health Services will fix this problem.
An important change is that the term "filtered honey" will no longer be allowed on labels. This name is often used for lower-quality honey that has had pollen removed. Also, labels must now clearly show where the honey comes from. If a product is a mix, it must say the exact percentage of real honey inside.
Another key rule changes the definition of "confectionery honey." This category will now include honey that has had other substances or a lot of pollen taken out. This makes a clear separate group for these lower-grade products. Polydoros Costas from the Cyprus Beekeepers’ Association supports the law. He says many people buy products thinking they contain honey, but they do not.
Companies have six months after the law starts to change their packaging and get the right information. After June 14, 2025, the Health Services will check products. Items that do not follow the new rules will be taken off shop shelves.
These changes will help customers make better choices. They will also support local beekeepers by making competition more fair. Everyone hopes this will improve the quality of honey in Cyprus.