Who are we?
The International Honey Commission (IHC) was formed in 1990 in order to create a new world honey standard. All modern routine honey analysis methods were collaboratively tested and compiled as “Harmonised methods of the European Honey Commission”, published in Apidologie, extra issue, 1-59, 1997. Based on these method the Codex Alimentarius Standard and the EU Honey Directive were revised.
Next, the major European unifloral honeys were characterised in a special issue of Apidologie (2004), allowing the international trade with these honeys.
In 2009 the „Harmonised methods“ were updated.
Presently the IHC is chaired by Dražen Lušić, Croatia, co-chairs are Maria Teresa Sancho, Spain and Miguel Vilas Boas, Portugal.
Current Objectives of the IHC
The specific current objectives of the IHC are
- work out better and new analysis methods of honey and the other bee products
- inform members of the group on current aspects of quality and control of honey and other bee products
- work out standards for other bee products besides honey
- work out quality criteria for specific honeydew honeys
Would you like to join?
Here you may find our membership form – please fill in the personal data and your skills. If you need more space, please feel free to use it – it is a word document, so you are able to change. We are looking forward to hearing from you!