The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday issued draft guidance for industry entitled “Guidance for Industry: Proper Labeling of Honey and Honey Products.”

As noted in the Federal Register notice published today, FDA issued the draft guidance to help members of the food industry ensure they are properly labeling honey and honey products, and to remind them that honey and honey products must not be misbranded or adulterated under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Draft Guidance for Industry: Proper Labeling of Honey and Honey Products summarizes FDA’s legal authority over honey and honey products; provides a commonly used definition of honey; and offers advice on labeling issues such as the floral source of honey, blends of honey and other sweeteners, and blends of honey and other ingredients, such as flavors. It also describes some of the measures FDA takes to guard against honey adulterated with cane sugar, corn syrup, or residues of chloramphenicol or fluoroquinolones.

All interested parties are invited to comment (use Docket No. FDA-2006-P-0207) on the draft guidance document. Submit electronic comments on the draft guidance to Regulations.gov. Submit written comments to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.