As food lovers, we are drawn to products by their flavour, story, and beautiful packaging. Yet, behind every reputable food product on the shelf is a framework of rules and regulations that ensures it is safe, authentic, and honestly described. For producers of speciality items like hot honey, navigating this landscape is a fundamental part of the craft. It might not be the most glamorous side of the food world, but this commitment to compliance is what separates trustworthy artisans from the rest. Let’s take a look behind the label and explore the important regulations that govern honey and spicy condiments in the UK.
A Guide to Food Production Compliance
The Importance of Getting It Right
Regulatory compliance isn't just about ticking boxes; it's the bedrock of consumer trust. These rules ensure that when you buy a jar of honey, it is genuinely honey, and that when a product contains an allergen, you are clearly warned. For a brand like Harry's Hot Honey, adhering to these standards is a non-negotiable part of our promise to you. It’s our way of guaranteeing that what you see on the label is exactly what you get in the jar: a high-quality, safe, and delicious product.
What Actually Counts as "Honey"?
You might think honey is just honey, but UK and EU regulations are very specific. The Honey (England) Regulations 2015 define "honey" as the natural sweet substance produced by bees from the nectar of plants. The regulations state that nothing can be added to or removed from a product sold as honey.
When a product, like our hot honey, has an ingredient added to it (in our case, chillies), it can no longer be legally called just "honey." It must be described in a way that reflects its true nature, such as "honey infused with chilli" or, as we call it, Hot Honey. This is a crucial distinction that ensures transparency.
The Anatomy of a Food Label
A food label is packed with vital information, all governed by strict rules. Here’s what you should expect to see:
- Ingredient List: All ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight. For Harry's Hot Honey, our list is beautifully simple: Honey, Chillies.
- Country of Origin: For honey, the country or countries of origin where the honey was harvested must be declared. We are proud to state our honey is from British beekeepers.
- Nutritional Information: Most pre-packaged foods require a nutritional declaration, showing values for energy, fat, carbohydrates, sugar, protein, and salt.
- Net Weight: The quantity of the product must be clearly displayed.
Rules on Additives, Flavourings, and Heat
When creating a product like hot honey, you are introducing an additive or flavouring. The key is to use natural, permissible ingredients. We use real chillies to infuse our honey, not artificial flavourings or capsaicin extracts of unknown origin. This commitment to natural ingredients is not just for flavour but also for compliance. Disclaimers about the product's heat level, such as "hot" or "spicy," are also important for managing consumer expectations, although the terminology itself is not strictly regulated.
Allergen Labelling: A Critical Safety Measure
Clear and accurate allergen labelling is one of the most important aspects of food safety law. In the UK, there are 14 major allergens that must be declared and emphasised on the label if they are present as an ingredient. While honey and chillies are not among these 14 allergens, we operate with the highest standards of production to prevent any cross-contamination in our facilities. Transparency is paramount.
Food Safety Schemes (HACCP)
Behind the scenes, reputable food producers operate under strict food safety management systems. One of the most common is HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point). This is a systematic approach to identifying and controlling potential biological, chemical, or physical hazards in the production process. From testing raw ingredients to ensuring bottling equipment is sterile, having a robust HACCP plan is essential for guaranteeing that the final product is safe for consumption. Harry's Hot Honey is produced in facilities that adhere to these strict safety protocols.
What to Watch Out For: Common Pitfalls
Unfortunately, not all producers play by the rules. Here are a few red flags for consumers to be aware of:
- Vague Origin: A label that says "A blend of EU and non-EU honeys" is legal, but it lacks the transparency of a specific country of origin.
- Unbelievably Low Price: Pure honey is a precious resource. An extremely low price can sometimes be an indicator of adulteration with cheap sugar syrups.
- Missing Information: A missing ingredient list or lack of a net weight declaration is a clear sign that the product is not compliant.
How Harry’s Hot Honey Meets the Standard
We are proud to be fully compliant with all UK food regulations.
- Transparent Labelling: Our labels clearly state our ingredients, British origin, and full nutritional information.
- Authentic Ingredients: We use pure, raw British honey and real chillies.
- Safety First: We operate under strict food safety management systems to ensure every jar is safe.
- Honest Description: We correctly label our product to reflect that it is a delicious blend of honey and chilli.
Trust in Every Jar
Navigating food regulations is a complex but vital part of being a responsible food producer. It’s a commitment to quality, safety, and honesty that we take very seriously. By understanding what goes into proper labelling and compliance, you, as a discerning food lover, can make more informed choices and place your trust in brands that do things the right way.
We believe that our dedication to these standards is another reason why our hot honey stands out.
Taste the quality that comes from doing things right. Explore the Harry's Hot Honey collection today.