The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clarified that Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in honey, with a maximum limit of 80 mg/kg, shall be treated as a quality parameter and not a safety concern. Honey samples exceeding this limit will henceforth be classified as “Substandard” rather than “Unsafe,” until sufficient scientific data becomes available to determine potential health implications.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a clarification regarding the interpretation of Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) levels in honey as per Clause 2.8.3(1) of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
Key points include:
- The regulation prescribes a maximum permissible limit of 80 mg/kg for HMF. However, inconsistencies were observed across laboratories, with samples exceeding this limit variably classified as “Substandard” or “Unsafe.”
- Following a review by FSSAI’s Scientific Panel on 18th December 2024, it was concluded that current evidence is insufficient to link elevated HMF levels to safety risks.
- Therefore, until further data emerge, HMF shall be treated solely as a quality parameter, and non-compliant honey samples shall be declared “Substandard.”
This directive has been approved by the Competent Authority and circulated to all FSSAI-notified laboratories.