Irradiated Honey vs Raw Honey: What’s the Difference?

There are two main types of honey sold in South Africa: irradiated honey and raw honey.

The main difference is the way they are processed and treated.

Let’s explore the difference:

Irradiated Honey

Irradiated honey (also known as ‘radurised honey’) has been treated with ionizing radiation. This process is used to kill bacteria, spores, molds, microsporidia, and other contaminants that might be present in the honey. The goals of irradiating honey include reducing insect and microbial presence, and reducing the spread of microorganisms between bee colonies. 

That said – the irradiating process does cause loss in the nutritional and beneficial properties of the honey. In one study that subjected honey to gamma irradiation, researchers noted a significant decrease in the honey’s Vitamin E level and moisture content. Irradiation also effected a change in colour.

Raw Honey

Raw honey, on the other hand, is honey that has not been treated with irradiation. It is generally considered to be more nutritious and beneficial than irradiated honey because it has not been subjected to such unnatural processing that harms natural properties. (Buy raw honey online in SA.)

About Irradiated Honey in South Africa 🇿🇦

By law and regulated by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), honey imported to South Africa is a controlled good and must be irradiated.

Importers require a permit from the Department of Agriculture, as well as permission from the Department of Health, in order to import and irradiate honey accordingly.

This law applies to both choice grade and industrial grade honey. Hence, all imported honey sold in South Africa should be irradiated.

Must irradiated honey be labeled as irradiated?

Yes. According to the Agricultural Product Standards Act, honey that has been irradiated must state ‘irradiated’ or ‘radurised’ on the packaging. Here is an extract from the Act for retail honey:

The word “irradiated” or “radurised” in letters at least 3 mm high in the vicinity of the
name of the product, when the contents consist totally or partially of honey that has been
subjected to irradiation: Provided that the indication of the radura symbol is optional.

NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, GRICULTURAL PRODUCT STANDARDS ACT, 1990
(ACT No. 119 OF 1990), REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE GRADING, PACKING AND MARKING OF HONEY AND MIXTURES OF BEE PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR SALE IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

This brochure from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries includes an example of marking a container where ‘Irradiated’ / ‘Radurised’ is included for imported retail honey.

Inclusion of the international Radura symbol, pictured here, is optional.

View a list of imported honey brands in SA.

About Raw Honey in South Africa 🇿🇦

The good news is that raw honey is easily available in South Africa. You can find it from local beekeepers, at farmers markets, online stores like Faithful to Nature, health shops, and even at major retailers like Woolworths and Clicks.

Raw honey is typically labeled as ‘raw honey’ by local brands. The term ‘non-irradiated’ is also used.

Buy raw honey online.

Must raw honey be labeled as raw?

Yes. According to the Agricultural Product Standards Act, raw honey must state raw or unprocessed on the packaging. Here is an extract from the Act for retail honey:

When containing raw honey, with the words “raw” or “unprocessed” in letters at least 2
mm high

NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, GRICULTURAL PRODUCT STANDARDS ACT, 1990
(ACT No. 119 OF 1990), REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE GRADING, PACKING AND MARKING OF HONEY AND MIXTURES OF BEE PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR SALE IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Is raw honey more expensive than irradiated honey?

Yes, generally expect to pay more for raw honey in South Africa.

Because irradiated honey has been imported in bulk from countries like China, irradiated honey is often much cheaper. Raw honey, on the other hand, is produced and packaged by local beekeepers and honey sellers and therefore more costly because of lower quantities. Obviously, there are exceptions, such as Manuka Honey.