Honey Adulteration

Why Supporting Western Australian Honey Matters

With growing global concern over honey adulteration and fake products flooding supermarket shelves, it's never been more important for consumers to understand where their honey comes from—and how to choose wisely.

A recent article by The Independent exposed just how widespread the problem of fake honey has become, with many brands found to be selling adulterated products—honey diluted with sugar syrups, chemically treated, or falsely labelled. But what does this mean for Australian consumers, and how can you be sure you're buying the real thing?

The Western Australian Advantage

Western Australia (WA) is home to some of the purest, most unique honeys in the world, including renowned monofloral varieties like Jarrah, Karri, and Marri. Our strict biosecurity measures, isolation from eastern states, and vast natural forests free from chemical sprays give WA honey a natural advantage when it comes to purity, potency, and traceability.

When you buy honey that is produced, packed, and sold in Western Australia, you are far more likely to be buying a product that is chemical-free, unblended, and authentically raw—exactly as nature intended.

Don’t Be Misled: The Problem With “Beekeeper Direct” Claims

There’s a growing narrative encouraging consumers to buy "beekeeper direct" or from backyard producers, under the belief that this guarantees purity or supports local beekeepers. Unfortunately, this is misleading and problematic.

• Legality: In WA, it is illegal to sell honey to the public without meeting strict food safety and biosecurity regulations. Backyard honey, no matter how well-meaning the beekeeper, may not be tested, stored, or handled in compliance with food production standards. This can present health risks to consumers and risk the reputation of WA’s honey industry.

• Traceability and Testing: Reputable producers invest in laboratory testing, proper labelling, quality control, and accredited packaging standards. These measures help ensure that the honey you buy is free from contaminants, accurately labelled, and meets the standards expected in both local and export markets.

• Industry Impact: When consumers bypass the regulated supply chain, they undermine professional beekeepers, packers, and producers who uphold the standards that give WA honey its global reputation for quality.

Why Imported and Blended Honey Can’t Compare

Yes, imported honey is widely available—and often cheaper. But that price comes at a cost.

Many imported and blended honeys:

• Contain added sugars or rice syrup, making them less nutritious (and sometimes not honey at all).

• May be heat-treated, removing beneficial enzymes and nutrients.

• Come from countries with lower quality control or weak regulation, making them more vulnerable to adulteration.

If it seems too cheap to be true—it probably is.

Support the Future of WA Honey

By choosing honey that is:

• Sourced from registered Western Australian beekeepers

• Packed and labelled by accredited local producers

• Sold through legitimate retail, farmgate, or online platforms

…you’re not only protecting your health but supporting an industry that safeguards our environment, creates jobs, and exports some of the finest honey in the world.

So next time you shop for honey, ask the right questions:

• Is it Western Australian?

• Is it packed and labelled by a licensed producer?

• Is it traceable?

Because real honey matters—and WA honey leads the way.