The labeling of honey sold in Portugal became subject to new rules at the end of 2025, with a direct impact on the information provided to the consumer. The changes result from the transposition of European legislation and place the origin of the product at the center of the legal obligations applicable to operators in the food sector.
According to the website of the General Food and Veterinary Directorate (DGAV), the new legal regime for honey determines that the label visibly indicates the country or countries where the honey was harvested. This information must appear in the main visual field of the packaging.
According to the same source, when honey results from a mixture of different origins, the countries must be identified in descending order of their respective percentage by weight, allowing the consumer to understand the composition of the product more accurately.
Transparency and fraud prevention
The diploma also reinforces traceability mechanisms. Whenever pollen or other natural constituents of honey are removed, documented technical evidence to support this procedure is required.
This requirement aims to safeguard the authenticity of the honey, preventing practices that could mischaracterize the product and mislead the consumer regarding its nature and quality.
A broader legislative package
The same source states that the new rules applicable to honey are part of a wider set of diplomas published at the end of December 2025, as part of the transposition of Directive (EU) 2024/1438.
This legislative package covered several categories of food products, with the aim of harmonizing national legislation with European Union law and enhancing the clarity of information made available to consumers.
Changes to juices and similar products
In the fruit juice sector, new rules were introduced regarding composition, labeling and denomination. It is now possible to use, on a voluntary basis, the mention that juices only contain naturally present sugars.
The diploma also creates a new category of juices with reduced sugar content, as long as a minimum reduction of 30% of naturally existing sugars is ensured, without the use of sweeteners.
Sweets, jellies and milk also covered
The same source explains that sweets, fruit jellies, citrus jams and chestnut cream now have simpler labeling rules, eliminating the specific requirement to indicate the sugar content, already covered by general nutritional labelling.
In the case of preserved milk, treatments aimed at reducing the lactose content were authorized, as long as this information is clearly indicated on the label, and technical names are also harmonized.
Transitional period until 2026
According to , all diplomas include a transitional rule that allows the marketing of products labeled or placed on the market before June 14, 2026, as long as they comply with previous legislation, until stocks are exhausted. The overall objective of the changes is to strengthen consumer protection, promote more transparent practices throughout the food chain and ensure fair conditions of competition between economic operators.
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