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Nitrofurans in Honey – Frequently Asked Questions

Why was honey recalled?

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) detected nitrofurans in honey. Nitrofurans are antimicrobial drugs which are banned in Canada, as well as in many other countries, for use in food-producing animals, including honey bees.

Why are some recalls mandatory and others not?

A mandatory recall order, which is issued by the Minister responsible for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, is an option which can be implemented when the recalling firm is not willing or able to recall a product that is considered to pose a risk to public health. Most recalls are voluntarily conducted by the firms.

How was this issue of nitrofurans in honey identified?

In March 2004, the CFIA started a monitoring program for nitrofurans in honey. The detection of nitrofurans in these recalled products was as a result of this monitoring program.

What products and lots are affected by this recall and where have they been distributed?

Related Alerts: 2004-04-16b |2004-04-08b | 2004-04-06 | 2004-04-03b | 2004-04-03 | 2004-03-23 | 2004-03-13

What action has the Government of Canada taken?

Health Canada promptly undertook a Health Risk Assessment in consultation with the CFIA and other experts within Health Canada’s department. The CFIA has initiated recall activities to remove the affected lots of honey from the marketplace.

Health Canada is continuing to monitor the situation and to actively collect new information to ensure that the Health Risk Assessment reflects the most up-to-date evidence.

What is the advice to consumers?

The CFIA has evidence to suggest that these affected products may contain nitrofurans at uniformly low levels. Health Canada and the CFIA are therefore advising consumers not to eat these specific lots of honey.

Are nitrofurans banned in Canada?

Nitrofurans are banned for use in food-producing animals in Canada as well as in a number of other countries.

The nitrofuran class of drugs is also used in human medicine for serious urinary tract infections. Because of its potential to cause cancer, the benefits of long-term nitrofuran use are weighed against potential risks.

When were Nitrofurans banned?

Nitrofurans were banned for use in food-producing animals in 1994.

What are the effects of nitrofurans?

For the vast majority of people, there would not be any immediate reaction, allergic or otherwise. However, there are concerns related to potential carcinogenicity (causing cancer) and genotoxicity (causing damage to genetic material in cells) of the drug as well as the potential to cause allergic reaction.

What were the results of the CFIA's testing?

The CFIA has tested several samples of this product. Based on information from other countries and testing data from the CFIA, the residues of nitrofurans in the honey in question are uniformly low and pose only a low risk to human health.

What is the CFIA doing to recall these products?

The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the importer’s recall activities and is working with the importers to have the affected products removed from the marketplace.

What do I do if I've already eaten some of this honey?

Because the risk to health is low, consumers do not need to take any further action. However, any remaining honey should not be eaten, instead, return it to the store. Consumers can also discard small amounts of this honey in the garbage.

How can I tell if the honey I have in my home is affected?

Consumers should check the label to verify the lot number and UPC code. If you have some of this honey, it should be returned to the store.

Are there any other products that may contain nitrofurans?

The CFIA is continuing its investigation in cooperation with the various importers to identify and remove the affected products from the marketplace. The list of affected products would be updated as required.

Are there any other issues about honey that I should know about?

Children under the age of 12 months should not be given honey, since there is a small risk of botulism.

Where can consumers and industry get more information on this recall?

For questions on health issues related to nitrofurans, contact Health Canada at (613) 954-5687, or your doctor.

For information on these specific recalls, call CFIA at 1-800-442-2342, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time - Monday to Friday, or call 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232) 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time Monday to Friday.

Where can media get more information on this recall?

Call one of the following numbers:

• CFIA Media Relations at (613) 228-6682.
• Health Canada Media Relations at (613) 941-8189.