WHAT IS TUTIN?
Tutin is a neurotoxin present in tutu bushes that is harmless to bees but toxic to mammals, including humans. It can get into honey when bees collect honeydew made by passion-vine hoppers (Scolypopa australis) that have been feeding on tutu (Coriaria arborea).
Tutin contamination is sometimes found in late-season honey in some parts of New Zealand. Beekeepers and packers of honey for sale or export must comply with the Food Standard 2016: Tutin in Honey to show that their honey does not contain toxic levels of tutin.
TUTU PLANT
![tutu flowers Duncan Lash MPI](https://apinz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/tutu-flowers-Duncan-Lash-MPI-171x300.jpg)
PASSION VINE HOPPER
![Passion vine hopper](https://apinz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Passion-vine-hopper-128x300.jpg)