SABS Honey Standards. What to Know
This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa.
In South Africa, honey production and sales are regulated by a set of national standards developed by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). These standards protect consumers from adulterated or mislabelled honey, and help beekeepers meet quality requirements for local and export markets.
What Are SABS Standards?
SABS standards are published documents that define quality, safety, and labelling requirements for products sold in South Africa. For honey, the most relevant document is:
- SANS 855: Honey (latest version available through SABS)
This standard defines what may legally be sold as “honey” and outlines the physical, chemical, and labelling requirements.
Who Must Comply?
- All honey producers selling to the public, retailers, or through online platforms
- Honey packers and processors
- Exporters and bulk buyers
- Beekeepers supplying health shops or supermarkets
Key SABS Honey Requirements
1. Product Purity
- Honey must be free of additives (no sugar, corn syrup, or artificial flavours)
- No heating above 45°C unless labelled “heated honey”
- Must not be filtered to the point of removing all pollen
2. Moisture Content
- Maximum allowed: 20%
- High moisture increases the risk of fermentation
- Common in coastal regions—dehumidify if needed
3. Electrical Conductivity
- Used to distinguish blossom honey from honeydew
- Blossom honey: must be below 0.8 mS/cm
4. Labelling Requirements
- Product must be labelled “Honey” or specify the floral source if applicable
- Country of origin must be clearly stated (e.g. “Product of South Africa”)
- Include producer or packer contact details
- Include batch number and best-before date
- If blended from different sources, label must say “blend of imported and local honey”
5. No Medicinal Claims
- Labels may not state that honey cures diseases or acts as a medicine
- Avoid terms like “antibiotic” or “healing” unless part of approved product range
How to Get Tested
- Use private food testing labs or university laboratories
- Request testing for moisture, HMF (heating), sugar adulteration, and pollen count
- Keep results for buyer confidence and audits
Certification (Optional)
- SABS Mark Scheme allows registered companies to use SABS logo
- Requires audit, ongoing compliance, and quality checks
- Not mandatory, but beneficial for retail and export contracts
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Removal from shelves by retailers
- Confiscation during inspections
- Legal action under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972)
Final Thoughts
Understanding and complying with SABS standards helps protect your brand and build trust in South African honey.
Whether selling at markets or aiming for export, producing clean, traceable honey that meets SANS 855 will set your product apart and ensure full legal compliance.