Thailand Involved in “Honey Laundering”
China is exporting fake honey to the United States and using Thailand to do it, reports the Bangkok Post. Food safety experts found that almost a third of the honey consumed in the US isn’t real honey, but cheap sweeteners with only small amounts of actual honey and even heavy metals.
The Chinese have been sending the products to neighboring countries like Thailand to avoid import duties, where the jars are relabeled and shipped to the US.
The Thai FDA requires importers and manufacturers in Thailand to obtain FDA approval prior to importing or manufacturing products.
Two US companies have been indicted in the laundering. The Department of Justice is investigating the companies, which will likely be dealt a hefty fine.
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Flickr photo courtesy of Siona Karen
