French beekeepers harvesting honey. (AFP)

A recent study by the European Commission showed that 46% of shipments of imported honey into the EU do not adhere to EU regulations.

320 samples were examined by the commission across Europe. Only four of the 21 samples collected in France were found to have been "genuine" honey.

Less than half of the more than 30 samples that were available in German stores were of acceptable quality. All 10 of the samples of honey that were blended or packaged in the UK also failed, which led to speculation that the honey might have been imported.

"Such practices defraud consumers and put honest producers in jeopardy as they face unfair competition from operators who can slash prices thanks to illicit, cheap ingredients," OLAF, the EU anti-fraud office, said as quoted by media reports.

74% of imported honey from China, 93% of imported honey from Turkey, and 100% of imported honey from the UK were found to be subpar.

Only 14% of imports were subpar when the authenticity of honey was last checked six years ago.

The addition of foreign sugar, such as beet or rice syrup, which makes it cheaper to manufacture, was the primary cause of the vast majority of the anomalies. Notwithstanding the fact that consumers are not at risk, this lessens the honey's health benefits and value.

The European Commission launched an investigation into 44 companies after the test, seven of which have already received sanctions.