Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Charges laid over toxic honey

Updated at 9:39 pm on 15 February 2009

The Food Safety Authority says the charges laid against a beekeeper whose toxic honey allegedly poisoned 22 people are not serious enough and it wants stronger penalties.

The honeycomb was sold in Whangamata by Projen Apiaries last easter, leaving numerous customers ill.

An investigation found the sickness was related to tutin in honey.

Toxic honey can be fatal. It is produced when bees gather honeydew produced by an insect on tutu bushes.

The Food Safety Authority's assistant director Justin Rowlands says Kevin Prout faces four charges under the Food Act.

Three relate to the sale of contaminated comb honey which carries a maximum fine of $3000, and a fourth charge relates to labelling, which is punishable with a $5000 fine.

Mr Rowlands says the charges don't reflect the seriousness of the illnesses that resulted from consumption of the contaminated goods.

He says the Authority is reviewing the act.

Kevin Prout is due in the Waihi District Court on March 3.

Copyright © 2009, Radio New Zealand