Honey extraction log

Not under FDA's honey labeling guidance, which asks for the name "honey" (or a supported floral name), net quantity, the name and address of the producer or packer, and ingredients only if something else was added. A lot code is still worth printing: it lets you find every jar from a batch if a problem turns up.

No federal rule requires one. USDA explains that, except for infant formula, product dating is not required by federal law; a "best by" date is about quality, not safety. Sealed, dry honey keeps for years, though it slowly darkens and loses aroma, so a date you choose yourself simply tells buyers when it is at its best.

A lot code, the extraction date, the floral source, the apiaries and hives, when supers went on and came off, the last mite treatment, the weight extracted, the moisture reading, the bottling date and the number and size of jars. NY Grown & Certified, for example, asks producers to log date, grade, moisture, weight and container ID for each batch.

Keep them at least as long as your honey may be on shelves. The NY Grown & Certified honey program asks for batch logs to be kept at least 3 years from the date of sale or disposal, and a labeled sample jar of each batch. Your state may set its own rules for registered honey houses.

The statement of identity ("Honey" or "Clover Honey"), the net weight in both US and metric units, such as "Net Wt 16 oz (1 lb) 454 g" in the bottom 30% of the main panel, and the producer's name and address. Florida cottage food labels need an extra statement. An infant warning is recommended.

Only if you can support that the named plant is the chief floral source, says FDA. Hives often work several flows at once, so a super pulled in midsummer may be mixed. If in doubt, call it wildflower honey or simply honey. A blend with any other sweetener cannot be labeled honey.