Understanding Tutin Risks in New Zealand Honey

New Zealand honey is renowned worldwide for its rich flavors and unique health benefits. However, there’s a potential hidden danger in some honey that both beekeepers and consumers must be aware of—tutin contamination. This naturally occurring neurotoxin, found in the New Zealand native tutu plant, can be harmful to humans if it makes its way into honey. Although rare, tutin poisoning can lead to serious health issues, and in extreme cases, it may even result in death¹.

In this blog, we'll explore what tutin is, the risks it poses, how honey becomes contaminated, and the ways beekeepers and consumers can mitigate these risks.

What is Tutin?

Tutin is a neurotoxin present in the tutu plant (Coriaria arborea), commonly found in New Zealand. The toxin itself doesn’t affect bees, but it can pose a significant risk to humans if consumed through honey. Bees collect honeydew secreted by passion vine hoppers, insects that feed on tutu sap. If this honeydew is collected and processed into honey, tutin may be present in the final product¹.

Health risks of tutin poisoning include:

  • Gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhea)
  • Neurological symptoms (tremors, seizures)
  • Respiratory distress
  • Liver and kidney damage

In severe cases, tutin poisoning can lead to coma or death. A notable instance of tutin poisoning occurred in 2008, when 22 people were poisoned by comb honey from a hobbyist beekeeper in Whangamata¹.

Sources of Tutin Contamination in Honey

Tutin contamination in honey generally occurs in areas where tutu bushes thrive, particularly in the North Island and the top of the South Island. The risk is highest when three key factors are present simultaneously:

  1. Tutu bushes near beehives.
  2. Passion vine hoppers feeding on tutu plants and excreting honeydew.
  3. Honey bees collecting this honeydew, especially when other food sources are limited.

Some high-risk areas include:

  • Coromandel
  • Eastern Bay of Plenty
  • Marlborough

The peak contamination risk period is during January to April, when passion vine hoppers are most active¹.

The divider Line in the South Island is 42 degrees latitude line ²

 

Honey produced below that line shouldn't need to be tested for Tutin.

Health Risks of Tutin Poisoning

Tutin poisoning can vary from mild to severe, with symptoms often appearing quickly after consumption. Early signs of poisoning include giddiness, exhaustion, and vomiting, which can escalate into more severe outcomes like seizures, stupor, and coma. In extreme cases, tutin poisoning can be fatal¹.

Current Regulations and Standards

To protect consumers, New Zealand has strict guidelines under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Standard 1.4.1), which sets maximum allowable levels of tutin in honey:

  • Extracted honey: 0.7 mg/kg
  • Cut Comb honey: 0.01 mg/kg¹

These standards aim to ensure that honey sold locally or exported remains safe for consumption. Beekeepers, packers, and exporters must comply with these regulations, and non-compliance could result in legal consequences.

Cut-comb honey is tested by catching all the dribbles when it is cut, stirring it thoroughly to mix it together, then sending a sample of the dribbles to the lab for testing.

Box comb honey is honey that is produced in the finished container and is not cut in any way.

It cannot be tested for Tutin.

If the apiary site is above the Tutin line (42 degrees divider line ²) then box honey can only be produced and harvested in the period from July until 31st Dec.

Mitigating the Risk of Tutin Contamination

Beekeepers play a critical role in minimizing the risk of tutin contamination. There are several strategies they can adopt to reduce the likelihood of producing contaminated honey:

  1. Site Selection: Place beehives in low-risk areas, away from tutu bushes.
  2. Monitoring Vegetation: Regularly inspect the vicinity for tutu plants and passion vine hoppers, especially in high-risk zones.
  3. Timing of Honey Harvest: Harvest honey before the peak risk period (before January) to avoid collecting honeydew contaminated with tutin. Honey produced by the bees in the Tutin Zone from July to 31st Dec and harvested by 31st Dec does not need to be tested for Tutin.
  4. Testing Honey: Send honey samples for testing at certified laboratories to ensure they meet the allowable tutin levels before selling or distributing them¹. 

The Importance of Compliance

Adhering to the Food Standard: Tutin in Honey is not only a legal obligation for beekeepers but a crucial part of consumer safety. Even hobbyist beekeepers are encouraged to follow these guidelines. Non-compliance could lead to legal action, especially in cases where honey causes poisoning¹.

Conclusion

Tutin contamination in honey is a serious but manageable risk in New Zealand. By understanding the nature of tutin, adhering to safety standards, and employing best practices, beekeepers can minimize the risk of producing contaminated honey. Consumers, too, should remain aware, especially when purchasing honey from high-risk areas or during the peak risk season.

For more information and guidance, beekeepers and consumers can access resources provided by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). By staying informed and cautious, everyone can continue to enjoy the many benefits of New Zealand honey safely.

¹ https://apinz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/API_TutinBrochure2019_v1_midres.pdf 

 ² https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/10136/direct

 

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