Hygiene Procedures

This document, "Honey Hygiene", can be opened from the Library page  in pdf format and printed.

FROM HIVE TO HOME

When removing honey supers from the hive never at any time should the super be placed on the ground. If using a car boot or trailer this should be lined with clean polythene and a clean cover placed over the supers, and always ensure that your car boot or trailer is cleaned before use.

UNCAPPING AND EXTRACTION

All equipment should be thoroughly cleaned before use (avoid using any scented cleaning agents) and in order to make sure of sterilisation and elimination of moisture, a quick spray of Alcobac or any alcohol based demoisturiser and wipe round with 'blue’ roll. It is vital to keep water away from your honey.

FILTERING HONEY

Filters should be of food grade stainless steel or food grade nylon mesh. If the honey is not to be bottled straight away the honey should be stored in airtight tubs and stored away from extreme temperatures and bright sunlight. Moisture content must comply with statutory requirements.

BOTTLING

It is important to have a good supply of hot water available and care must be taken to avoid spillage.

As with uncapping and extraction the same hygiene procedure must be employed. It is also important that jars should be sterilised as these will have been handled several times before your purchase of them, and they will no doubt carry a dusting of fire bloom.

DISPLAY AND SALES

Your jars should be labelled in accordance with the regulations stipulated by the Food Standards Agency and it is strongly recommended that tamper evident seals are used.

It is said by some that a caution label be attached stating the dangers of feeding honey to infants. However that is up to the producer as this is not mandatory.

One caution, if you are supplying a shopkeeper make sure that your honey is displayed correctly, and not in a place that may cause damage to your product, such as in direct bright sunlight.

REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE STILL RESPONSIBLE AFTER YOU HAVE SOLD IT.