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NZFSA reminder about risks from toxic honey

NZFSA continues to advise caution over comb honey purchased from the Coromandel Peninsula since early January 2008. If in doubt, check with the supplier about the conditions of harvest to ensure the comb honey meets all food safety requirements. Do not eat it if you are in any doubt.

Two brands of comb honey (Wentworth Valley and Moana Point) produced by Projen Apiaries are being recalled, as pictured below. Three outlets in Whangamata sold the honey: Quarry Orchard, Valley Orchards and Meat at the Beach.

Consumers who may have finished or disposed of these products are asked to contact the Waikato District Health Board’s helpline on 0800 276 216, especially if you think you have shown signs of illness related to tutu poisoning.

Toxic honey

Toxic honey is produced as a result of bees gathering honeydew excreted by bugs feeding on sap of the ‘tutu’ plant (Coriaria arborea). Tutu is widely distributed throughout New Zealand, particularly along stream banks and in regenerating native scrub. The plant is poisonous as it contains tutin, a natural toxin. Honey made from tutu honeydew also contains the toxin.

Toxic honey is a rare event, and historically occurred primarily in the Coromandel Peninsula, Eastern Bay of Plenty and the Marlborough Sounds, although it is possible it could occur elsewhere.

The tutu plant, Coriaria arborea.

Image courtesy of The University of Auckland.

Media releases

• Reminder about risks from toxic honey. NZFSA Press Release, 27 March 2008

• Update on toxic honey. NZFSA Press Release, 25 March 2008

Resources

• Information pamphlet on toxic honey

• Bee products – applying the Animal Products Act

• Bee Codes of Practice

• Letter to bee keepers reminding them of their responsibilities about toxic honey

• Extract from the Animal Products Act relating to toxic honey

4 April 2008