There is a tick in honey, what should I do? - briefly
Discard the jar and any contaminated utensils, then consult a medical professional or local health authority about potential bite risk. Do not consume any of the honey and thoroughly clean surfaces that may have contacted it.
There is a tick in honey, what should I do? - in detail
If a tick is discovered in a jar of honey, stop using the product immediately. Do not attempt to eat the honey, even after removing the insect, because the tick may have contaminated the surrounding liquid with pathogens or allergens.
Immediate actions
- Seal the container to prevent further exposure.
- Place the sealed jar in a disposable bag and discard it with regular household waste; do not recycle the container.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the jar.
Health considerations
- Ticks can carry bacteria such as Borrelia (Lyme disease) and Anaplasma, as well as viruses and parasites.
- Ingesting a tick or its saliva may cause gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, or transmit disease.
- If you experience fever, rash, joint pain, or any unusual symptoms after accidental consumption, seek medical attention promptly and inform the clinician about the exposure.
Reporting and follow‑up
- Contact the honey producer or retailer to report the contamination. Provide the batch number, purchase date, and a description of the finding.
- Request a refund or replacement and ask for information on the company’s quality‑control procedures.
- If the product was purchased from a grocery store, inform the store manager so they can remove the affected stock and investigate the source.
Preventive measures for future purchases
- Choose honey that is filtered, pasteurized, or labeled as “raw, unfiltered” only if you trust the supplier’s testing protocols.
- Inspect the honey’s surface before opening; visible debris or insects indicate a problem.
- Store honey in a clean, sealed container away from direct sunlight and moisture, which can attract pests.
By following these steps, you minimize health risks, ensure proper documentation of the incident, and help maintain safety standards in the food supply chain.