Mandatory testing will cost money which the producer must invariably bear, and any publicity concerning such residues in honey may irreparably harm the product's image as a natural, organic food. Florida has already been affected. One beekeeper who wished to sell his honey to Canada was summarily informed to first have it tested for residues. Should it become routine to test for sulfathiazole residues before honey can be marketed, this could quickly get out of hand, with insistence by processors that other examinations be done. Those answering the telephone are well trained and prepared to deal with emergency situations.
All pertinent information is recorded by the operator and sources checked carefully.
If more expertise is required, human and animal poisonings can be referred via a telephone switching system to poison control centers. The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas is the current provider of this telecommunications service. The above slogan is found on a brochure recently published by the National Honey Board. Information inside the pamphlet explains what the Honey Research, Promotion and Consumer Information Order is and how the Honey Board oversees the Order. All imported honey and that put into the Honey Loan progam will also be assessed the same amount per pound.