Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2162) to provide for the protection of the integrity of honey marketed in the United States, and for other purposes.

Bill Number

H.Res. 1411

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Congress

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-06-30: Referred to the House Committee on Rules.

Last Updated

2026-07-09T22:28:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose This legislation establishes a federal framework to protect the purity and accurate labeling of honey sold in the United States. It aims to prevent economic adulteration, ensure product integrity through testing standards, and improve consumer information via origin labeling.

Key Provisions

• Standard of Identity: Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a binding federal standard for honey within 180 days, based on criteria such as limits on hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), minimum diastase activity, moisture content, sugar profiles, proline levels, and oligosaccharide patterns. The standard may be updated over time.
• Honey Integrity Program: Creates a program for compliance, including a National Honey Center of Excellence for testing methods like NMR and isotope analysis. Imports face risk-based testing at U.S. labs, while certified domestic honey receives exemptions.
• Interagency Coordination: Mandates a memorandum of understanding between Health and Human Services and Agriculture for domestic verification.
• Country of Origin Labeling (COOL): Amends existing law to require honey as a covered commodity, with specific rules for blends listing countries in order of predominance (with a 5% threshold) and restrictions on "Product of USA" claims. Small domestic producers may qualify for exemptions.
• Enforcement Tools: Includes an AI-based targeting system, a public Honey Fraud Registry, user fees on importers, re-export or destruction of noncompliant imports, and mass-balance record requirements.
• Transition Measures: Allows interim certifications and bonded entry until the full standard takes effect.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces the first comprehensive federal standard of identity for honey under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
• Expands the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to cover honey under mandatory COOL rules, with new labeling formats and protections for U.S. origin claims.
• Establishes new administrative structures, such as the Honey Authenticity Advisory Committee and user-fee funding, without altering core FDA enforcement powers.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Increases responsibilities for the Food and Drug Administration in standard-setting and testing oversight, while delegating some domestic audits to the Department of Agriculture.
• Citizens and Consumers: Provides clearer labeling on honey origins and purity, potentially reducing misleading products.
• International Relations: May affect honey imports through stricter testing and refusal rules, requiring foreign suppliers to meet U.S. standards without reliance on foreign certificates.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Domestic honey producers and beekeepers (exempt from fees and some testing).
• Commercial honey importers, packers, and blenders (subject to fees, testing, and record-keeping).
• Federal agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture.
• Consumers purchasing honey products.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Relies on existing federal authority over food safety and interstate commerce.
• Creates a risk-based enforcement system that distinguishes between domestic and imported products.
• Includes provisions for public databases and re-analysis rights, which could influence administrative procedures in food regulation.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17]

Recent Actions

• 2026-06-30: Referred to the House Committee on Rules.
• 2026-06-30: Submitted in House
• 2026-06-30: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2162) to provide for the protection of the integrity of honey marketed in the United States, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-06-30 — PDF (14 pages)