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News:
CheckMite+ Update
FDA Seizes Adulterated Honey
China Dumping Scheme
Chinese Honey Contaminated
ANTI-DUMPING FACTS




CheckMite+ Update
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FDA Seizes Adulterated Honey

At the request of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized adulterated imported bulk and finished product honey from Hoyts Honey Farm, Inc. in Baytown, Texas.

U.S. Marshals seized 266 drums of honey (each containing 639 pounds of bulk honey) and five totes (each containing a net weight of 3,000 pounds) after FDA tested and confirmed the presence of unapproved food additive, chloramphenicol. In accordance with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, food products that contain chloramphenicol, an antibiotic, are adulterated and are not permitted to be sold in or imported into this country.

This seizure is the third enforcement action against similarly contaminated honey in six months. The first such seizure occurred in August 2003 in Louisiana. The second seizure occurred in January 2003 when U.S. Marshals served a warrant on T. W. Burleson and Son, Inc. in Waxahachie, TX. The continued monitoring of food production and distribution at many levels has enabled FDA to detect this adulterated honey since the agency learned of the presence of chloramphenicol in imported honey.

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic drug used to treat life-threatening infections in humans, usually when other alternatives are not available. The use of this antibiotic is limited because of its potentially life-threatening side effect, idiosyncratic aplastic anemia. For the very small number of the population susceptible to this side effect, exposure to chloramphenicol could be serious or life threatening. Because of the current uncertainty regarding the dose-response relationship between chloramphenicol ingestion and aplastic anemia, it is not possible to define a safe level for the presence of this antibiotic in food products.

The agency will continue to detain or seize any honey imports that contain chloramphenicol to ensure that this product is not released for human or animal consumption in the United States.

In response Bruce Boynton, CEO of the National Honey Board said that the National Honey Board supports the Food and Drug Administration's system for testing and monitoring honey. The seizure in Texas of some imported honey contaminated with traces of chloramphenicol clearly demonstrates that the monitoring systems in place are working and effective.

The National Honey Board strongly condemns any practice in the United States or abroad that jeopardizes the purity of honey and the reputation of the honey industry and its members. The board strongly supports all efforts to maintain a safe and wholesome supply of honey to consumers.

Based in Longmont, Colorado, the National Honey Board is an industry-funded research., consumer and promotion board whose mission is to advance the use and application of honey and honey products throughout the world.

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China Dumping  Scheme
U.S. CUSTOMS SERVICE AND FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION UNCOVER DUMPING SCHEME INVOLVING CONTAMINATED HONEY IMPORTS FROM CHINA
 

Wednesday, August 28, 2002 U.S. CUSTOMS SERVICE AND FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION UNCOVER DUMPING SCHEME INVOLVING CONTAMINATED HONEY IMPORTS FROM CHINA WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Customs Service (Customs) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced that they have discovered bulk imports of Chinese honey that were contaminated with low levels of chloramphenicol (CAP), a potentially harmful antibiotic and unapproved food additive. The contaminated honey was detected during an investigation into a widespread scheme to evade payment of U.S. anti-dumping duties on bulk imports of Chinese honey. To date, the investigation has resulted in the detention of more than 50 containers of bulk Chinese honey at U.S. ports. In an effort to evade U.S. anti-dumping duties, this honey had allegedly been illegally transshipped through third-party countries on its way from China to America. Some of the bulk honey in these containers has tested positive for chloramphenicol, an antibiotic used, in most cases, only to treat life-threatening infections in humans when other alternatives are not available. Use of chloramphenicol is limited because this antibiotic is associated with a very rare, but potentially life-threatening side effect - idiosyncratic aplastic anemia. For the very small number of people susceptible to this side effect, exposure to chloramphenicol could be serious. A "safe" limit of chloramphenicol for such people has not been established. Nevertheless, the probability of this reaction occurring in the general population from food exposure is thought to be very low. To protect the public from unnecessary exposure to potentially harmful substances, food and animal feed products containing chloramphenicol are illegal in the United States. Currently, Customs is stopping all suspect bulk honey imports to this country for the FDA to determine whether they contain chloramphenicol. Any shipments containing chloramphenicol will be detained. The FDA is unaware at present of contaminated honey being on retail shelves, but is continuing its investigation into this matter. Thus far, no illnesses have been reported in association with the imported honey. As part of the investigation, Customs and FDA agents during the past week have executed search warrants on businesses and residences in Los Angeles, Newark, Tampa, and other locations. Australian Customs, Royal Malaysian Customs, and Royal Thai Customs have also executed warrants in Australia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Additional enforcement activity is anticipated in the investigation. "This investigation should serve notice that U.S. Customs will not tolerate unfair trading practices, especially those that pose potential health risks to the American public," said U.S. Customs Commissioner Robert C. Bonner. "This case is an excellent example of cooperation between U.S. Customs, the FDA, as well as authorities in Australia, Thailand, and Malaysia." "We will continue to work with our federal and international partners to ensure that products that cross our borders meet our high standards for food safety," said FDA Deputy Commissioner Dr. Lester M. Crawford. "The FDA will take whatever action is necessary to protect the public health from these kinds of activities." The probe into this scheme began primarily as a dumping investigation. Dumping of a product occurs when merchandise manufactured outside of the United States is sold in the United States at a price that is below the cost of production, or below the price sold in the foreign home market. Foreign manufacturers and or/importers may dump products on the U.S. market in order to gain market share because of political or social concerns or to maximize profits/minimize losses in production. In Sept. 2000, several U.S. honey producers filed an unfair trade case alleging dumping of honey imports from China. In May 2001, the U.S. Commerce Department issued a notice of preliminary determination which required U.S. Customs to collect anti-dumping duties on imports of natural bees honey from certain Chinese companies. The duty rates increased between 34 and 184 percent. The U.S. Customs Attaché in Bangkok, Thailand, subsequently received information that certain honey exports from China were allegedly being illegally transshipped through Thailand en route to the United States. The purpose of the alleged transshipment scheme was to circumvent payment of anti-dumping duties on Chinese honey imports to the United States. In June 2002, U.S. Customs Attachés in Bangkok and Singapore launched an investigation and began working with their law enforcement counterparts in Australia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Officials from the Royal Thai Customs, Royal Malaysian Customs, and Australian Customs provided substantial assistance. Several domestic U.S. Customs offices joined the investigation, including those in Los Angeles, Newark, Tampa, Houston, Detroit, and Seattle. Soon, Customs agents found that U.S.-bound Chinese bulk honey was allegedly being transshipped through Australia, Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and other nations to evade U.S. anti-dumping duties. During the investigation, Customs officers in Los Angeles drew samples of bulk Chinese honey from several detained containers that had arrived at the local port. A laboratory analysis found that the honey samples contained chloramphenicol. Customs notified the FDA, which immediately joined the investigation given the health issues associated with chloramphenicol. Analysis by FDA laboratories confirmed the presence of chloramphenicol in the imported Chinese honey. Since the discovery of chloramphenicol in the Chinese honey imports, Customs has been stopping all suspect bulk imports of honey for the FDA to test for the presence of chloramphenicol. The FDA has developed a method to confirm chloramphenicol levels in honey at one part per billion. The FDA and Customs are continuing to coordinate their enforcement strategies and will be detaining or seizing any honey imports that contain chloramphenicol to ensure that they are not released for human or animal consumption in the United States

For an archive Catch the Buzz postings, visit:
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Chinese Honey Contaminated

HEALTH HAZARD ALERT CERTAIN FOOD PRODUCTS MAY CONTAIN CHLORAMPHENICOL OTTAWA, April 19, 2002 - The public warning issued on April 18, 2002 has been expanded to include additional product information. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning consumers not to consume certain food products (see attached table) which may contain Chloramphenicol. These products have been manufactured using honey imported from China found to contain Chloramphenicol. The affected products are sold without labels or with labels under various brand names as listed in the attached table. Consumers who have purchased unlabeled products should verify with their retailer whether they are affected by this alert. These products are being voluntarily recalled from the marketplace by the manufacturers. Chloramphenicol is a drug which is not permitted for use in Canada (or the U.S.) in food producing animals, including bees. Consumption of chloramphenicol contaminated products may pose a human health risk related to the inherent toxicity of the drug. The CFIA is continuing to monitor all imports of Chinese honey. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. As the CFIA investigation continues, the attached list of products will be updated as necessary. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recalls. For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at one of the following numbers: In the province of Quebec 1-800-561-3350; or In other provinces and territories 1-800-442-2342. For information on receiving recalls by electronic mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca. CERTAIN FOOD PRODUCTS MAY CONTAIN CHLORAMPHENICOL APRIL 19, 2002 Brand / Product Size UPC Codes Distribution "Au goût du jour", English Muffins Honey Butter, 6 pack 340 g 059608 184278 Best Before dates up to and including 25 AL 02 Quebec "Au goût du jour", English Muffins 100% Whole Wheat, 6 pack * 340 g 059608 184292 Best Before dates up to and including 25 AL 02 Quebec "L'Authentique", English Muffins 100% Whole Wheat * 340 g 059608 911614 0802 to 1072 found on the right side of the bag closure Quebec Merit Selection, English Muffins Honey Butter 340 g 059749 340656 0802 to 1072 found on the right side of the bag closure Quebec, Ontario Merit Selection, English Muffins Whole Wheat * 340 g 059749 340731 0802 to 1072 found on the right side of the bag closure Quebec, Ontario Super C, English Muffins 100% Whole Wheat 340 g 062609 103490 codes up to and including AL 27 Quebec POM New York New York, 100% Whole Wheat English Muffins, Sliced 340 g 061077 778315 codes up to and including AL 27 Quebec Betty, 100% Whole Wheat English Muffins * 340 g 059243 001824 AL01 to AL27 found on the right side of the bag closure Quebec, Ontario Country Goodness, Multigrain, 6 Bagels * 510 g 059608 019907 0802 to 1072 found on the right side of the bag closure Ontario Country Goodness, Whole Wheat 'n Honey, 6 Bagels 510 g 059608 019808 0802 to 1072 found on the right side of the bag closure Ontario Tim Hortons, Multigrain Bagels -- -- purchased between March 21 to April 18 Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces Tim Hortons, Muesli and Fruit Bagels -- -- purchased between March 25 to April 18 Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces Tim Hortons, Whole Wheat 'n Honey Bagels -- -- purchased between March 21 to April 18 Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces 100% Whole Wheat & Honey Bagels (by Fiera Foods Company, North York, Ontario) -- -- purchased between April 14 and 18 Sold through bulk sales at retailers in Ontario Carrot Nut Muffins (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario Raisin Bran Muffins (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario Honey Bran Muffins (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario LF Blueberry Muffins (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario LF Cranapple Muffins (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario LF Carrot Muffins (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario LF Triple Berry Muffins (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario LF Lemon Crunch Muffins (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario Apple Spice Muffins (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario Oatmeal Chunk Cookies (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario Plain Bagels (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario Seeded Bagels (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario Muesli Bagels (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario Apple Cinnamon Bagels (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario Garden Cheddar Bagels (by Amore Sweets Corporation, Toronto, Ontario) -- -- purchased between March 14 and April 18 Sold in various food establishments such as cafeterias, coffee shops, delis, and restaurants in Ontario * These products do not mention honey in the list of ingredients. APRIL 18, 2002 Brand / Product Size UPC Codes Distribution Hollandia Speculaas Cookies 325 g 060465 201060 C2219, C2226 C2231, C1238 Ontario and Nova Scotia Hollandia Speculaas Cookies 2/$3.00 325 g 060465 201060 C2219, C2226 C2231, C1238 Ontario and Nova Scotia Hollandia Speculaas Cookies 5 lbs N/A Best Before Aug 19, 2002 Aug 26, 2002 Ontario Hollandia Speculaas Cookies 9 lbs N/A Best Before Aug 07, 2002 Aug 19. 2002 Ontario Oakrun Honey Butter English Muffins, 6 pack 340 g 059608 001100 All Codes Ontario Oakrun 100% Whole Wheat English Muffins, 6 pack 340 g 059608 001605 All Codes Ontario Honey Butter English Muffins, 6 pack (plain bag by Oakrun Farm Bakery Ltd.) 340 g 059608 001117 All Codes Ontario 100% Whole Wheat English Muffins, 6 pack (plain bag by Oakrun Farm Bakery Ltd.) 340 g 059608 001612 All Codes Ontario.

For an archive Catch the Buzz postings, visit:
http://bee.airoot.com/beeculture/buzz/index.html


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ANTI-DUMPING FACTS

The U.S. government handed a sweet victory to U.S. honey producers in early November by ruling that honey imports from Argentina and China injured the domestic industry.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) issued the ruling, which was the final step in a year-long investigation into alleged unfair trading activities practiced by Chinese and Argentinean honey exporters and the government of Argentina. The ruling authorizes the U.S. Customs Service to impose antidumping duties ranging between 33% and 61% on honey imports from Argentina and between 26% and 184% on Chinese imports.

For purposes of these investigations, the products covered consist of natural honey, artificial honey containing more than 50% natural honey by weight, preparations of natural honey containing more than 50% natural honey by weight and flavored honey. The subject products include all grades and colors of honey whether in liquid, creamed, comb, cut comb, or chunk form and whether packaged for retail or in bulk form.

As a result of yesterday’s decision, the U.S. Customs Service will impose antidumping duties on Chinese honey imports from the exporters who engaged in the import surges that entered the United States up to 90 days before the announcement of the preliminary determination Said SHA President Jerry Probst, "Clearly, these imports were being dumped in the U.S. at less than fair value and stealing U.S. market share. The hundreds of domestic honey producers who belong to the Sioux Honey Association and suffered injury due to these unfairly traded imports can now return to a leveled-off playing field and compete fairly and squarely."

According to the petition filed by the AHPA and SHA with the U.S. government, in 2000, combined honey imports into the U.S. from Argentina and China were 158 million pounds, up from only 100 million pounds in 1998. Over the same three year period, the price of these imports in the United States fell about 25%. Although the amount of honey consumed each year in the U.S. has increased significantly between 1998 and 2000, U.S. market share for domestic honey producers fell, while the share held by imports from China and Argentina increased significantly.

Printed with permission of Bee Culture.

Important Numbers (million lbs.)

                                           (Through Oct.)
Imports From       1998     1999  2000   2001
Canada
China
Argentina
All Countries
13.19
27.53
77.37
135.4
27.55
47.87
86.20
174.3
29.28
53.56
98.91
194.2
13.92
47.03
53.56
NA
U.S. Production & Carry Over 301.1 284.6 307.3 NA
An additional countervailing duty of 6% will be imposed on imports from Argentina to offset the unfair subsidies granted by that country’s government to its honey producers.

The ITC ruling essentially wrapped-up an unfair trade case filed on September 29, 2000 by the American honey Producers (AHPA) and the Sioux Honey Association (SHA). According to AHPA President Richard Adee, whose organization represents about 800 domestic beekeepers, "We are delighted that the U.S. government’s investigation into these unfair trading practices confirmed what U.S. honey producers have been up against for years. We are particularly pleased that the ITC affirmed that critical circumstances exist, which means that there are millions of dollars of potential dumping duties to be collected." The U.S. honey industry charged that Chinese exporters flooded the U.S. market with honey just prior to the imposition of the preliminary antidumping duties last May. 

1-800-880-7694 Fax: 218-675-6156 www.mannlakeltd.com

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