The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a clarification regarding the classification of honey samples that exceed the permissible limit of Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). In its advisory dated 7 November 2025, the regulator stated that HMF will now be treated strictly as a quality parameter under Clause 2.8.3(1) of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, which prescribes a maximum limit of 80 mg/kg. This decision follows recommendations from FSSAI’s Scientific Panel during its 29th meeting held on 18 December 2024.
HMF is a compound that forms when honey is exposed to heat or stored for extended periods and is widely regarded as an indicator of freshness and processing. Despite the regulatory limit, laboratories have differed in classifying honey samples that exceed this threshold—some marking them as substandard and others as unsafe. After reviewing available scientific literature, the Scientific Panel found no conclusive evidence that elevated HMF levels pose a safety risk, prompting FSSAI to clarify the appropriate classification.
Under the new guidance, honey samples with HMF levels above 80 mg/kg will be categorised as substandard rather than unsafe. This clarification ensures uniformity in reporting across all FSSAI-notified laboratories and provides clearer compliance expectations for producers and regulators. By defining HMF as a quality parameter, the Authority aims to eliminate ambiguity and streamline the testing and interpretation process until additional scientific evidence becomes available.
The advisory carries important implications for the honey industry. Laboratories must update their reporting practices to reflect the revised classification, while producers will need to closely monitor heating and storage conditions to maintain HMF levels within prescribed limits. FSSAI may reassess the parameter in future as new research emerges, reinforcing its commitment to a transparent, science-led regulatory framework that strengthens quality assurance across India’s honey sector.
