# Agriculture (GAG)

## Title 10. Promotion and Identification of Agricultural Products

### Subtitle 19. Standard of Identity for Honey

#### Section 10-1904

(a) A product meets the Maryland standard of identity for honey if the product:

  (1) Does not contain any substance other than honey, including any food additive as defined in Sec. 21-101 of the Health - General Article;

  (2) Has not been subjected to chemical or biochemical treatments used to influence honey crystallization;

  (3) Has not had any water added to the product in the course of extraction or packing for sale or resale as honey;

  (4) Has not begun to ferment or effervesce;

  (5) Does not have a moisture content greater than:

    (i) 23% for heather honey (Calluna); or

    (ii)

      (18) 6% for all other honey;

  (6) Does not have a water-insoluble-solids content greater than:

    (i)

      (0) 5 gram per 100 grams for pressed honey; or

    (ii)

      (0) 1 gram per 100 grams for all other honey;

  (7) Does not have a fructose content greater than 50 grams per 100 grams;

  (8) Has a total amount of fructose and glucose equal to at least:

    (i) 45 grams per 100 grams for honeydew honey and blends of honeydew honey with blossom honey; or

    (ii) 60 grams per 100 grams for all other honey; and

  (9) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, has a sucrose content no greater than 5 grams per 100 grams.

(b)

  (1) The sucrose content of the following types of honey may be greater than 5 grams per 100 grams but not greater than 10 grams per 100 grams to meet the Maryland standard of identity for honey:

    (i) Alfalfa (Medicago sativa);

    (ii) Citrus spp.;

    (iii) False Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia);

    (iv) French Honeysuckle (Hedysarum);

    (v) Menzes Banksia (Banksia menziesii);

    (vi) Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensisi);

    (vii) Leatherwood (Eucryphia lucida); and

    (viii) Eucryphia milligami.

  (2) The sucrose content of the following types of honey may be greater than 5 grams per 100 grams but not greater than 15 grams per 100 grams to meet the Maryland standard of identity for honey:

    (i) Lavender (Lavandula spp.); and

    (ii) Borage (Borago officinalis).

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Md. Code Ann., Agric. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)