Filtered honey is honey that has been processed through fine filtration to remove pollen grains along with other fine particles, and is defined as a distinct category under the EU Honey Directive with mandatory labelling and restricted origin claims.
In trade practice
Fine filtration is used commercially to slow crystallisation and produce a clear, visually uniform product, but it removes the pollen that authenticates floral and geographical origin. EU importers must ensure that filtered honey is labelled as such and does not carry monofloral or regional designations, which are only permissible when pollen evidence is intact. Authenticity testing laboratories flag the absence of pollen as a marker of filtration, which is also associated with adulteration risk. Buyers sourcing for retail should confirm labelling compliance before listing.
In a specification
Contracts should state whether pollen removal is permitted; if not, specifications should require a minimum pollen count and prohibit fine filtration, with compliance verified by accredited melissopalynological analysis.