6874698, 5K-4.027 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 6874698

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Division:

Division of Food Safety

Chapter:

FOOD

Overview

RULE:

5K-4.027	Standard of Identity – Honey.
5K-4.028	Adulteration and Misbranding – Honey

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this rule development is to establish a standard of identity for honey that is produced, packed, repacked, distributed and sold in Florida or from Florida. Development of this rule is meant to have the effect on controlling the pervasive, illegal practice of blending or diluting pure honey with low-cost syrups (i.e., sugar, cane, corn, etc.) thereby committing an economic fraud on both the permanent and transient residents of Florida. Preliminary guidelines have been drafted through a cooperative effort between the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida State Beekeepers Association to implement a needed standard of identity for honey. The rule substantially conforms to standards set forth in the Codex Standard for Honey. This rule will have an effect on those establishments permitted by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services who produce local honey or sell honey from Interstate Commerce.

SUMMARY:

This rule development will address the creation of a standard of identity for honey, comprehensive prohibitions against the deliberate addition of any food ingredient or food additives other than honey, will set maximum moisture content for honey, set parameters for sugar constituents in honey and establish honey labeling guidelines. This rule will also provide a mechanism for the Department to enforce instances of adulteration and misbranding of honey being offered for sale at retail in Florida.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

500.09, 570.07(23), 586.10 FS.

LAW:

500.02, 500.03, 500.04, 500.09, 500.10, 500.11, 570.07, 570.50 FS.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

3/13/2009 Vol. 35/10

COMMENTS:

From 3/13/2009 To 4/3/2009 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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