New labelling rules from the EU for honey have come into effect as of yesterday (Sunday, June 14).

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has welcomed the introduction of the updates rules, saying that they will strengthen requirements for labelling in relation to the declaration of country of origin.

Under the new rules, all countries of origin for blended honey must be clearly indicated on the label, in descending order of weight, along with the percentage contribution of each country.

This information must be presented in the principal field of vision of the product, ensuring it is easily visible to consumers at the point of purchase.

Country of origin declarations apply to honey produced, packaged, labelled, and for sale on the market from today.

Before today, origin declaration for honey had more general descriptions such as "a blend of EU honeys" or "a blend of EU and non-EU honeys", without further detail on the specific countries of origin, according to the FSAI.

Honey produced, packaged, labelled and on the market before yesterday will legitimately remain on the market for several months with this previously acceptable origin declaration, so it will therefore take some time before consumers see this change on the labels.

Greg Dempsey, chief executive of the FSAI, said that the changes will "enhance transparency, support informed consumer choice and strengthen trust in honey products" available on the Irish market.

"The new EU labelling requirements for honey represent a positive development for both consumers and for food businesses," Dempsey said.

"Providing clearer information on the country of origin of honey supports informed decision-making by consumers, while also promoting fairness and greater transparency across the supply chain.

"The new EU rules provide clarity for food businesses on how country of origin information must be declared on honey.

"All food businesses placing honey on the market after June 14 are required to ensure that their labelling complies with these new requirements," the FSAI chief executive said.

All food businesses involved in the production, packing, distribution or sale of honey must ensure that their labels are fully compliant with the new EU requirements, the FSAI said.

The FSAI said it will continue to work with official agencies and food businesses to support compliance with the legislation and to "ensure that consumers are provided with accurate and clear information about the food they purchase".