The controversy has shaken the tranquility of the bees and beekeepers of the Aosta Valley, with the poster posted in via Mazzini in Aosta signed by the “Valle d’Aosta Microhelp Committee” and “Demonstrations for freedom of the Aosta Valley”, which raised the alleged exceeding of legal limits for aluminum in samples of Aosta Valley honey.
However, the Aosta Valley Bee Consortium Association promptly responded, highlighting a series of crucial points that invalidate the manifesto’s claims.
First of all, it is specified that the REG. (EU) 2023/915 of the Commission of 25 April 2023, which establishes the maximum levels of certain contaminants in foods, does not provide for any legal limits regarding the presence of aluminum in foods in general, much less on honey. The limit is set only for lead (Pb), at 0.1 mg/kg.
Furthermore, reference is made to the opinion of the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), which underlines how the aluminum present in foods is mainly due to its natural presence, the use of food additives and contamination from materials in contact with Foods. There is no evidence that Aosta Valley honey exceeds the safety limits established by these bodies.
The analyzes conducted reveal that even the highest value of aluminum in honey (2.82 mg/kg) is well below the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) established by scientific experts. In practice, to exceed this limit, an adult should consume around 25 kg of honey in a week, while a child should reach 7 kg.
Equally important is to underline the lack of clarity regarding the origin of the samples analyzed and the laboratory that conducted the analyses, as well as the confusion between the legal limit and the limit of quantification (LQ).
Finally, we denounce the damage caused to the local beekeeping sector, already under pressure due to climate change and unfair competition from honey from non-EU countries, which often does not comply with European quality and food safety standards.
In conclusion, answering the question posed by the poster, the Aosta Valley Bee Consortium Association categorically states that the aluminum in Aosta Valley honey does not exceed the legal limits. We therefore request the immediate removal of the poster and an accurate correction of the information disseminated.
At a time when transparency and accuracy of information are more crucial than ever, it is vital to spread the truth to ensure consumer trust and the well-being of the local beekeeping industry.
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