REGULATIONS

for conducting honey certification for member beekeepers associated with the "Po Zdrowie Do Natury" Foundation under the local brand Miodny Szlak

§1. General Provisions

1. These Regulations define the rules for conducting certification of honey harvested and placed on the market by beekeepers associated with the "Po Zdrowie Do Natury" Foundation, hereinafter referred to as the "Foundation", under the local brand "Miodny Szlak".
2. The purpose of certification is:
   1. confirming compliance of bee products with quality requirements specified by the Foundation,
   2. promoting natural regional products,
   3. building consumer trust in bee products originating from members of the Foundation,
   4. supporting good beekeeping practices and protecting the regional beekeeping heritage.
3. Certification is voluntary and may only be joined by members of the Foundation.
4. Certification is conducted in accordance with principles of diligence, impartiality, and transparency.
5. Certification is an internal labeling mechanism for honey subjected to laboratory testing.

§2. Definitions

The terms used in these Regulations shall mean:

1. "Foundation" – the "Po Zdrowie Do Natury" Foundation;
2. "Program" – the "Miodny Szlak" quality certification program;
3. "Certificate" – a document confirming compliance of the product with the Program requirements;
4. "Beekeeper" – a member of the Foundation and the Miodny Szlak brand, operating apiary activities;
5. "Certified product" – the batch of honey covered by certification pursuant to these Regulations;
6. "Certification Committee" – the body appointed by the Foundation Board to conduct the certification process.

§3. Conditions for Joining Certification

1. A beekeeper may enter the certification process provided they:
   1. hold authorized user status for the Miodny Szlak local brand mark,
   2. operate apiaries officially registered with the District Veterinary Inspectorate (PIW) and possess active SB or RHD legal status,
   3. comply with all applicable veterinary and sanitary regulations,
   4. adhere to bee welfare standards.
2. The condition for initiating the certification procedure is:
   1. submission of a certification application,
   2. declaration of sample batches of honey placed on the market,
   3. presentation of documentation regarding the origin and harvesting method of the product.

§4. Scope of Certification

1. The following are subject to certification:
   1. nectar honeys*: multifloral or varietal,
   2. honeydew honeys.
      * In the case of multifloral honeys, laboratory pollen analysis may include specific varietal identification.
2. Certification includes laboratory testing to determine unique and high biological activity of honey, including: polyphenol content, flavonoids, proline, pollen analysis, and radical-scavenging activity using the DPPH assay.

§5. Certification Committee

1. The certification process is managed by the Certification Committee appointed by the Foundation Board.
2. The Committee may consist of:
   1. representatives of the Foundation,
   2. beekeeping specialists,
   3. food quality experts,
   4. representatives of testing laboratories.
3. The Committee operates impartially and is required to maintain confidentiality of information obtained during certification.
4. Sampling will be conducted by Committee members inspecting the declared honey batch and randomly selecting one jar for laboratory analysis.

§6. Product Evaluation Criteria

1. Evaluation particularly covers:
   • A) Organoleptic properties — taste, aroma, color, consistency, and appearance.
   • B) Laboratory test results — analytical parameters confirming purity, quality, and biological active substance content.
   • C) Packaging correctness and aesthetics — functional, compliant, and attractive packaging design aligning with brand presentation.
2. The certified product must not contain:
   1. artificial additives,
   2. preservatives,
   3. prohibited chemicals or residues.

§7. Certificate

1. Upon successful completion of certification, the Foundation issues the "Miodny Szlak" Quality Certificate.
2. The Certificate confirms compliance with the Foundation's certification program and is issued for the specific declared honey batch.
3. The certified beekeeper has the right and obligation to use the official band and designation: "Certified Honey" – "Miodny Szlak".
4. The certification mark must be affixed to jars from the batch sampled and tested. If marks are omitted, the beekeeper will be obligated to reimburse the laboratory testing costs.

§8. Supervision and Revocation of the Certificate

1. The Foundation reserves the right to conduct scheduled and ad-hoc audits of certified products.
2. Supervision may include:
   1. random quality inspections,
   2. verification of labeling compliance with applicable IJHARS regulations,
   3. inspection of storage and harvesting conditions.
3. A certificate may be revoked in case of:
   1. non-compliance with product quality standards,
   2. breach of these Regulations,
   3. provision of false information during certification,
   4. labeling batches not covered by the certification application.
4. Upon revocation, the entity must immediately cease using all certification markings.
5. In case of substantiated irregularities, the Foundation may require reimbursement of additional testing or auditing expenses.
6. Appeals against revocation decisions may be lodged with the Foundation Board within 14 days of delivery.

§9. Final Provisions

1. The Regulations enter into force on the date of approval by resolution of the Foundation Board.
2. Amendments require a resolution of the Foundation Board.
3. Matters not regulated herein are decided by the Foundation Board.
4. The Regulations are available at the Foundation headquarters and in electronic format on the brand website.

Management Board of the "Po Zdrowie Do Natury" Foundation
Kamianna 50, 33-336 Łabowa, Poland