Sustaining its brand patronage, the Asia’s largest cooperative ‘Markfed’ has once again reposed unflinching trust of consumers as its honey has successfully withstood the tests of purity conducted by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) successfully.Congratulating the entire team of Markfed on this rare feat, the Punjab Cooperation Minister S. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that it is really a matter of great pride and satisfaction that Markfed, out of 13 top brands available in the country, was only amongst the three brands namely; Markfed SOHNA, Safola and Nature’s Nectar passed all the key tests in line with International Standards, while the leading products like Dabur, Patanjali, Vaidyanath, Jandu etc. failed to qualify the tests and were found to compromise with human health during the turbulent COVID-19 times.Living up to its reputation of manufacturing and marketing quality food products viz Basmati rice, Whole Wheat Atta, whole/grounded spices, Amla Murabba & Candy’s, Amla & Aloevera Juice, Gur & Shakkar etc., S. Randhawa said that the certification of high quality honey in conformity with global standards would be a shot in the arm for Markfed, which had ventured into the field of Honey processing in 2015-16.Referring to the various quality products being procured, processed and packed by Markfed under ‘SOHNA’ brand, the Cooperation Minister lauded the concerted efforts of Markfed in promoting “Sweet Revolution” by adhering to strict quality controls for production of quality honey, especially amid the trying circumstances of COVID-19 pandemic and appealed to one and all to promote ‘SOHNA’ products for its high quality for human consumption.Notably, a state of the art Honey Processing Plant was established at Village Chuharwali on Jalandhar – Hoshiarpur road in 2016. The unit was set up at a cost of Rs. 15.50 crores with financial assistance from APEDA. The plant boasts of fully automated honey processing unit with temperature controlled facilities and honey being produced at this plant is at par with the highest international standards including FSSAI norms. The capacity of this plant is 3,000 MTs. The raw honey is being purchased directly from the bee-keepers through societies. Honey is collected in food grade plastic buckets to avoid any contamination with heavy metals. The bee-keepers are imparted regular training regarding healthy practices of bee keeping and honey production in order to eliminate the presence of antibodies, heavy metals, sugar and chemicals in raw honey.Markfed takes pride in being a pioneer in introducing 100% traceability for purchase of raw honey from bee-keepers. Each identified bucket is tested and sealed by using temper proof barcodes. The system allows Markfed to collect complete information about the farmers from whom raw honey has been procured. Being pioneer to launch and implement traceability, methodology for honey, Markfed has been conferred with SKOCH AWARD also.Honey helps in building immunity, prevents Cancer and heart diseases, fights against stomach diseases, reduces cough and throat irritation, helps in blood sugar diseases and nourishes the skin. Honey is also called a ‘Power House’ of Health.