Buoyant roadside honey sales since lockdown

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They are not making it up as they see fit. They are interpreting it, which is quite different.
The courts are full every day of cases in which the law is interpreted. Sometimes in a ground breaking case, certain interpretations result in overall changes to the law, though usually not.
(Obviously not talking specifically beekeeping here but the principle is identical.)
Yes that's true. But the honey regulations are quite straight forward, specifically allow for descriptive words as part of the food name and do not specify a list of words that can or can't be used. Are you saying that TSOs can override this?
 
But the honey regulations ... do not specify a list of words that can or can't be used. Are you saying that TSOs can override this?

There is a specific list of words in the regulations (Part 2), which can be used in descriptions with the word honey, eg filtered, chunk, blossom, etc. Raw isn't one of the specified words.
This is in addition to and separate from the description of honey as raw.
TSOs don't need to override it, it's already written in law.
 
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Personally, I would not like to be the subject of a 'test case' to see whether the TSO's interpretation can stand in law or whether the armchair lawyers were in the right.
Me neither. And as I've said in previous threads I don't label my honey as raw or pure. But I don't like the idea that we all have to kowtow to the whims. likes, dislikes and bloody-mindedness of local government officials who don't seem to possess an English dictionary.
 
There is a specific list of words in the regulations (Part 2), which can be used in descriptions with the word honey, eg heather, chunk, blossom, etc. Raw isn't one of the specified words.
This is in addition to and separate from the description of honey as raw.
TSOs don't need to override it, it's already written in law.
I'll find the relevant part and get back to you.
 
I advertise (FB Marketplace) as Raw.

I label it as "Pure Biddulph honey". Which it is. It is not diluted with Congleton, nor Newcastle nor Stoke on Trent honey..
 
Personally, I would not like to be the subject of a 'test case' to see whether the TSO's interpretation can stand in law or whether the armchair lawyers were in the right.
If you all chip in for my defense I would go for it!
 
This is the label I put on my honey.....go for it......tin hat on
IMG_20200820_132218.jpg
 
There is a specific list of words in the regulations (Part 2), which can be used in descriptions with the word honey, eg filtered, chunk, blossom, etc. Raw isn't one of the specified words.
This is in addition to and separate from the description of honey as raw.
TSOs don't need to override it, it's already written in law.
The list of honey types in part 2 of the regulations which you have sited are reserved names which may be applied only to the types of honey described. They are mostly optional - I'm guessing that hardly anyone labels their honey as "Extracted Honey" despite the fact that most honey sold is extracted.

The reserved names do not comprise the entire list of words that may be used to describe honey. For instance, Part 4 of the regulations (Additional Labeling Requirements) paragraph 17 (3):

The product name of a relevant honey may be supplemented by information relating to its floral or vegetable origin ...

Thus we have names such as "Borage Honey" and "Lavender Honey" which distinguish those honeys that are produced by bees that forage primarily on the specific nectar source named. Neither "Borage" nor "Lavender" or any of the other mono-floral sources are specified in Part 2 of the regulations but are perfectly acceptable nonetheless.

Paragraph 17 (4) permits regional origin to be used in the name. "Herefordshire Honey", "Tottenham Honey", "Dagenham Honey", "Walthamstow Honey", and so on. No regional names are listed in Part 2 of the regulations but they are acceptable and in common use.

Paragraph 17 (5):

The product name of a relevant honey may be supplemented by information relating to its specific quality criteria.

This patently permits additional descriptive words to describe the quality of the honey. This is the part of the regulations which I believe allows the use of "raw" and "pure" and possibly other words although I can't actually think of any that are more suitable.

So, so long as the label makes no claims that are false, I can't see why trading standards are making such a fuss about nothing. They should be concentrating their efforts on pursuing the real crooks and fraudsters selling adulterated and fake honey, not harassing hobby beekeepers over simple, well defined and properly used English words on honey labels.
 
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As would the other party?
It's for the TSO to prove his case, not for the beekeeper to disprove it. That said, when it comes to arguing a point of law, you will need to put counter-arguments.
But why pull unnecessary trouble down on your head? Comply with what the TSO is asking of you If it's not too onerous. I'm retired, I'll not be making any money out of the fight, but my successors will be.
 
Are you saying that ACTSO can override the law or make their own laws? Surely that is solely in the remit of government.
I think the point is by adding whatever words you want to use to the reserved terms, avalible at this address Labelling honey and the law - InBrief.co.uk
Just undermines all the hard work that has been done by hardworking beekeepers and resellers of honey over the years, the public's perception is that if it doesn't have teh word "Raw " in the title something must have changed it!
We need to get back to the correct legal description.
 
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