Eleven individuals have been arrested for their part in a honey-smuggling operation. Ten Germans, one Chinese national and six companies are accused of illegally importing $40 million worth of Chinese honey into the U.S. between 2002 and 2009. The importers allegedly changed labels and documentation to make it appear the honey came from other countries in an effort to avoid paying $78 million in anti-dumping duties due on Chinese honey.
Charges also allege some of the honey was contaminated with antibiotics not allowed in the U.S. although no illnesses related to the honey have been reported. U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Patrick Fitzgerald said most of the honey was of a commercial grade and would have been diluted before being sold, and that it was not believed to be a risk to health.
While most of the companies and individuals are affiliated with a German company, the indictment does not identify any food manufacturers, retailers, products or brands that may have been recipients of the honey.
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How many of us knew that the U.S. is importing honey from other countries and is not self sufficient in producing this commodity?
How far are we from becoming a net food importer nation?