16/06/2026
The attached screenshot is a great example of why you should be careful with information on the internet, particularly Facebook beekeeping sites. The OP asked a valid question about the regulations governing the bottling of honey for sale in Queensland. Most of the responses were wrong, but I don't have time for that. This well-known circus clown responded. Here are my thoughts.
"Australian labelling laws are available on Google." Technically correct, but so is a lot of other rubbish.
The FSANZ Food Standards Code Part 1.2 Labelling and other information requirements is available here https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/food-standards-code/legislation. This is the only reliable source of information on labelling. The responder goes on to describe what goes on, labelling in vague terms, but misses a lot of information despite the OP not asking about labelling.
He then goes on his rant that I have seen before.
"The Tocal book is worth its 35 - 40 dollars" I agree it's a good book.
"There's an added bit that isn't enforced, it says that treated hives must be tested for chemical residue by an authorised testing laboratory and the results written on the label, source of information, the dpi varroa information days, slides 50 - 60, and the Australian health authorities HACCP regulations , welcome to the obsession"
Let's break that down. There is no requirement either from the Tocal honey book or any other source to test hives for chemical residue and to publish the results on the honey labels. The emergency permit for Bayvarol requires honey extracted from brood combs from hives treated with Bayvarol to be tested, and presumably, that honey would not be sold for human consumption if it exceeded the MRL. I delivered training to a few of the T2M Varroa information days. The training material, slides 50 - 60, refer to non-synthetic chemicals and does not refer to testing and labelling. HACCP also makes no such specific claims and has no specific requirement for honey labelling.
This bloke's claims are at best innocent confabulation or at worst misleading & nefarious lies.
I've chipped him a few times, yet he continues to mislead & deceive to push his treatment-free, natural beekeeping practices that will ultimately result in one outcome: dead bees.
If you want reliable, up-to-date information on honey labelling, take a look at the article I wrote and published on my website almost 10 years ago. Honey Labelling: Ten Sweet Tips. https://oraravalleyhoney.com.au/honey-labelling/
