FSANZ Plans Two-Year Extension of Tutin Limits in Honey

Honey produced in New Zealand may contain unsafe levels of tutin as a result of bees foraging on honey dew excreted by passion vine hopper insects that have fed on the tutu bush.

Oct 12 2010 --- Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has released documents for comment on a proposal to extend the existing maximum limits for the toxin tutin in honey and comb honey to 31 March 2013.These maximum limits appear in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, and must be complied with by the food industry in Australia and New Zealand. FSANZ invites consumers, the food industry and other interested parties to examine the proposal and to submit comments by Tuesday 9 November 2010.

Tutin is a naturally-occurring toxin produced by the tutu bush, a plant native to New Zealand.  Honey produced in New Zealand may contain unsafe levels of tutin as a result of bees foraging on honey dew excreted by passion vine hopper insects that have fed on the tutu bush. Tutin is a potent neurotoxin in animals and humans.  Temporary maximum limits for tutin in honey (2 milligrams per kilogram) and comb honey (0.1 mg/kg) are due to expire on 31 March 2011.  FSANZ is recommending an extension of the maximum limits for two years and invites comment on this proposal.

FSANZ welcomes public comment from industry, public health professionals, government agencies and consumers. Details of the Assessment Report for Proposal P1009 can be found at www.foodstandards.govt.nz