The European Commission convened the second meeting of the Honey Platform. EBA representatives, Prof. Dr. Andreas Thrasyvoulou and Dr. Urška Ratajc, attended the online meeting on 7 May 2025. The meeting focused on three main topics: (1) enzymatic activity in honey; (2) criteria for pollen content in honey; and (3) the establishment of efficient traceability systems.
Once again, the EBA Scientific Committee on Safety and Quality of Bee Products put considerable effort into preparing a proposal addressing the European Commission’s specific questions. This proposal was adopted and confirmed by the Executive Board, submitted to the Commission, and presented during the meeting, which took place from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A lengthy discussion was held on honey filtration and the minimum mesh size of filters/strainers to preserve the pollen spectrum in honey. There appeared to be general agreement that any filtration altering the primary natural components of honey should not be permitted, and the resulting product should not be called “honey.” However, consensus on certain details has yet to be reached before final decisions can be made. Likewise, differing views were expressed regarding updates to composition parameters and traceability.
The next meeting is scheduled for mid-November 2025. I would like to thank the members of the Scientific Committee on Safety and Quality of Bee Products for their tremendous efforts in preparing our detailed proposal, Prof. Dr. Andreas Thrasyvoulou for representing our position at the meeting, and the Executive Board members for their continued support.
Dr. Urška Ratajc, Head of the Scientific Committees, EBA
