The Buzz Newsletter

October 2005

 

 

Page 1

Greetings from the President of the IHPA

Dear Honey Producers:

I really enjoy the fall colors and getting to decorate with harvest items. I decorated the Center where I work this week and am getting lots of compliments about the autumn décor. I hate to think about cooler weather, though. I would rather be hot than cold.

Some of you will remember at the State Fair the container of “Imitation Honey”. No one knew what the ingredients actually were when we discussed it. Iowa Honey Queen, Teresa, looked the ingredients up and here is what she found. From the book SAFE FOOD by Michael F. Jacobson, Ph.D, Lisa Lefferts and Anne Garland:

"Acesulfame K, sold commercially as Sunette or Sweet One, was approved by the FDA in 1988 as a sugar substitute in packet or tablet form, in chewing gum, dry mixes for beverages, instant coffee and tea, gelatin desserts, puddings and nondairy creamers. The manufacturer has asked the FDA to approve acesulfame K for soft drinks and baked goods. The public is waiting for an artificial sweetener that is unquestionably safe. But this one isn't it. Even compared to aspartame and saccharin (which are afflicted with their own safety problems), acesulfame K is the worst. The additive is inadequately tested, the FDA based its approval on tests of acesulfame K that fell short of the FDA's own standards. But even those tests indicate that the additive causes cancer in animals, which means it may increase cancer risk in humans. In l987, CSPI urged the FDA not to approve acesulfame K, but was ignored. After the FDA gave the chemical its blessing, CSPI urged that it be banned. The FDA hasn't yet ruled on that request."

From CSPI's web page: .. acetoacetamide, a breakdown product, has been shown to affect the thyroid in rats, rabbits, and dogs. Administration of 1% and 5% acetoacetamide in the diet for three months caused benign thyroid tumors in rats. The rapid appearance of tumors raises serious questions about the chemicals carcinogenic potency." As for the Maltitol Syrup, it is used to keep the artificial honey from crystallizing and is also a humectant.

I don’t think that we need that product on the shelves and now if anyone asks you about it, you can give them the reasons to purchase “real” honey instead. I purchased the imitation honey from Wal-Mart.

Speaking of the State Fair, thanks go out to all of you. Superintendent Melanie Bower did a wonderful job and the exhibit displays were great. Thanks to everyone who worked in the sales booth. We need you!! The gross income was up from last year, even though the attendance was down 10% from the previous year. We are still working on the net income. We will have a complete breakdown at the Annual Meeting. If you have any suggestions for the exhibit area or the sales area, please attend the short meeting to let us know what you think should be improved or changed.

Mark the calendar to attend the IHPA Annual Meeting set for November 18th and 19th in Marshalltown. One of the speakers will be Bob Cox, former State Apiarist. Don’t forget to mention the IHPA when booking your rooms. The registration form is included in this edition. We all enjoy the fellowship and getting ideas from one another. Enjoy the cooler weather and get your fall management done before it gets too cold. Have a wonderful autumn season.

Donna Brahms, IHPA President

 

The Buzz Newsletter Submissions

Please send submissions, classified ads, and photos to Alex W. Ebert by email to TheBuzz@ABuzzAboutBees.com
or by mail to The Buzz, c/o Phil Ebert, 14808 S. 102nd Ave. E., Lynnville, IA 50153.
The deadline for submissions to The Buzz is the 15th of each month.

Gordon Powell, IHPA Treasurer

4012 54th St.

Des Moines, IA 50310

Phone : (515) 278-1762