From page 30
Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972),
Regulations Relating to the
Labelling & Advertising of
Foodstuffs, statutory require-
ments have been prescribed
in respect of labelling and
marketing of foods, including
honey.
Honey may be subjected to
laboratory tests to determine
BEEKEEPING
the composition, quality and
ripeness. If the honey does
not comply with any one of
these selected tests, then it
shall be deemed as not
complying with standards for
grades of honey.
The Directorate: Plant Health
& Quality of the Dept of
Agriculture, Forestry &
Fisheries (Daff) is responsible
for laying down specific
phyto-sanitary requirements
for certain products , which
includes imported honey
which needs to be irradiated
to prevent the dissemination
of the pathogen Bacillus
larvae, which causes
American Foul Brood.
Smallholders who want to
know more can contact the
Directorate:
Food Import &
Export
Standards on
012 319-6118.
Beekeepers,
who must
ensure forage
for their bees,
Left: EXAMPLE
of a correct
label for honey
in South Africa.
31
www.sasmallholder.co.za
are also affected by the
Conservation of Agricultural
Resources Act and the
National Environmental
Management: Biodiversity
Act, (NEMBA) 2004, particu-
larly the Alien Invasive
Species Regulations 2014,
with reference to various
alien gum trees so beloved by
bees. However, smallholders
must guard against unscrupu-
lous contractors who claim
that all gums must be
removed. This is not true and
the often unnecessary
removal of gums can be
avoided.