Register as a Primary Honey Producer

Why honey producers must register
How to comply with EU regulations
How to register

Why honey producers must register

People involved in the production of primary products such as honey must be registered as Food Business Operators with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The aim of this European Union regulation is to enhance public health protection by setting out the responsibilities of food producers.

A Food Business Operator is the person responsible for ensuring the requirements of food law are met within the food business under their control. You will not be able to sell your produce legally without this registration. If you are under 18 years of age, you should get your parent or guardian to complete the form on your behalf.

How to comply with EU regulations

To comply with EU rules you must:

keep clean any facilities used in connection with primary production and associated operations, including facilities used to store and handle feed and where necessary after cleaning disinfect them
keep clean and, where necessary after cleaning, disinfect equipment, containers, crates, vehicles and vessels
use potable water, or clean water, whenever necessary to prevent contamination
ensure that staff handling honey are in good health and trained on health risks
as far as possible prevent animals and pests from causing contamination
store and handle waste and hazardous substances in a manner that will prevent contamination of food and feed
take account of the results of any relevant analyses carried out on samples taken from bees or other samples that have importance to human health
use feed additives and veterinary medicinal products correctly as required by the relevant legislation
keep records relating to the measures put in place to control hazards

Food Business Operators producing honey are, in particular, to keep records on:

the nature and origin of feed for the bees
the name and quantity of veterinary medicinal products or other treatments given to their bees, dates of administration and withdrawal periods
the person who administered the animal remedy and where they purchased the animal remedy
the occurrence of any disease that may affect the safety of the honey
the results of any relevant analyses carried out on samples taken from the bees or other samples taken for diagnostic purposes that have importance for human health
any relevant report on checks carried out on the bees or honey
sales of honey to anyone other than the final consumer

How to register

You can download a copy of the Application Form for Registration as a Primary Producer of Honey From the following link: gov.ie - Beekeeping & Honey (www.govie)

Once completed, please post it to the following address:

Food Safety and Authenticity Section

Address:

2nd Floor Administration Building, Backweston Administration Building, Stacumny Lane , Co. Kildare, Celbridge , W23 X3PH

Email:

RegisterFBO@agriculture.gov.ie

Summary:

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Register as a Primary Honey Producer

Why honey producers must register

How to comply with EU regulations

How to register

Food Safety and Authenticity Section

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