ACCC finds no evidence to suggest Capilano honey was adulterated

Australian food company Capilano has been cleared of selling “fake” honey with an ACCC investigation finding no evidence to suggest the product was adulterated with sugar syrup.

According to the government agency the investigation did not uncover anything suspicious in the blended Australian and imported honey, however, they did claim there are inconsistencies with the testing across the country.

The news follows allegations back in September that Capilano’s Allowrie branded Mixed Blossom Honey was not 100 per cent pure, and had been mixed with rice syrup, beet syrup and other unidentified substances.

At the time it was suggested by researchers at a leading international scientific lab that the product contained other substances in almost half of the samples of the honey taken from supermarket shelves.

The allegations were based on results arising from a testing process known as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) testing. The testing can be used for a variety of applications, but has only recently emerged as a testing method for honey adulteration.

Following the announcement in September, Capilano denied any wrong doing and claimed to have full confidence that the product contained only pure honey and instead pointed an accusing finger at the testing undertaken.

Read more: Capilano under fire for selling ‘fake’ honey to Aussie customers

Through its recent investigation the ACCC found no evidence correlating with the allegations against Capilano and claimed the company had taken steps to provide assurance.

However, the government agency did confirm the NMR testing is not yet reliable enough to determine whether honey is adulterated and should not be used as a basis to support legal action.

“During the course of our investigation however, it also became evident that there is low confidence in the current test method (the C4 test) used to detect adulterated honey,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said in a statement.

“Governments and research agencies around the world are investigating alternative testing methods, including NMR, but these are not yet developed to the point they can be used with sufficient confidence.”

Speaking to the Starts at 60, Capilano managing director Ben McKee claimed the investigation had confirmed the company’s position that NMR testing is unreliable.

“We have been testing our products with the internationally accepted C3/C4 tests for adulteration – which is the accepted testing procedure in Australia and used by regulatory authorities around the world,” he told the publication.

“Capilano has been consistently testing products for adulteration and will continue to do so, using the best and most reliable test methods currently available.

“Capilano is proud of the quality of the products we pack, and it is a shame that media reports that led to the ACCC inquiry have damaged consumer confidence and cast doubt over honey products that comply with international standards.”

Since 2015, the Department of Agriculture has tested imported honey using the C4 test, which did not detect adulteration in Allowrie honey or some supermarket private-label products.

Keogh said the ACCC understands the differentiation in the tests and results can cause frustration among consumers and industry and it is for this reason there should be an agreed approach to testing.

“We understand the Department of Agriculture, which is best placed to determine the most appropriate form of honey testing, is reviewing testing standards,” he explained.

“It’s important that consumers have confidence in the claims made about the foods they purchase, including honey. The ACCC urges the honey industry and the Department of Agriculture develop an agreed approach to testing, and implement more robust programs to provide greater assurance about the integrity of their products.”

What do you think of these findings? Do you buy Capilano Honey?