STATEMENT: President National Beekeepers Cooperative Society on introduction of the Food Safety Bill 2026

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As President of the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd, I welcome and commend the discussion held in Parliament by our national leaders on the issue of adulterated honey and the introduction of the Food Safety Bill
2026. It was heartening to hear this important matter addressed at the highest level, as it reflects a serious commitment to protecting public health and the integrity of our local food industries.

Let it be clearly known that there is no place for the adulteration of honey in Dominica, and this practice will not be tolerated. Both my personal view and the position of the Cooperative are firmly against any form of food fraud that
threatens consumer trust and undermines the hard work of genuine beekeepers.

Honey is a vital natural product with nutritional, medicinal, and economic importance. Its integrity must be protected through proper regulation, traceability, and regular testing. I encourage all producers and vendors of honey to operate within established standards and to have their products tested so that consumers can be confident they are purchasing pure and authentic honey.

The National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd fully supports the Food Safety Bill 2026 and its provisions which establish a national Food Safety Service, mandate the licensing of food businesses and certification of food
handlers, strengthen inspection and enforcement powers, and combat food fraud and false labeling.

The Bill also introduces systems for traceability, recall, and emergency response, all of which will greatly improve food safety and accountability across the sector. These measures will not only address the issue of adulteration but will also strengthen confidence in locally produced honey, protect consumers, and support the sustainable growth of the beekeeping industry.

The National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd pledges to work closely with Government and all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this legislation and to stamp out any threat to our industry. Together, through partnership and shared responsibility, we can safeguard the quality of our honey and preserve its reputation for future
generations.

Mr. Kevin James
President
National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd.