Antibiotic, Pesticide, and Microbial Contaminants of Honey: Human Health Hazards

Abstract

Agricultural contamination with pesticides and antibiotics is a challenging problem that needs to be fully addressed. Bee products, such as honey, are widely consumed as food and medicine and their contamination may carry serious health hazards. Honey and other bee products are polluted by pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria and radioactive materials. Pesticide residues cause genetic mutations and cellular degradation and presence of antibiotics might increase resistant human or animal's pathogens. Many cases of infant botulisms have been attributed to contaminated honey. Honey may be very toxic when produced from certain plants. Ingestion of honey without knowing its source and safety might be problematic. Honey should be labeled to explore its origin, composition, and clear statement that it is free from contaminants. Honey that is not subjected for analysis and sterilization should not be used in infants, and should not be applied to wounds or used for medicinal purposes. This article reviews the extent and health impact of honey contamination and stresses on the introduction of a strict monitoring system and validation of acceptable minimal concentrations of pollutants or identifying maximum residue limits for bee products, in particular, honey.

Characterization of phenolic profile alterations in metal-polluted bee pollen via capillary electrophoresis

“…Because the botanical origin is the primary conditioner for the composition of apiculture products, any contaminating compounds can likely be traced to the originating plant species (Almeida-Muradian et al, 2005;Campos et al, 2008). Several studies have assessed contaminants in honeys, including antibiotics (Al-Waili, et al, 2012), heavy metals (Fredes and Montenegro, 2006;Tuzen et al, 2007), pesticides (Panseri et al, 2014;Rodríguez López et al, 2014), and others (Cortopassi-Laurino et al, 2006;. Volcanic activity can also affect the mineral composition of honeys and pollens produced in nearby areas (Mejías and Montenegro, 2012).…”

Determination of heavy metals in chinese prickly ash from different production areas using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

“…Consequently, food safety problems, including heavy metal pollution, microorganisms causing foodborne diseases, pesticide residues, organic pollutants, and chemical pollution, have been reported frequently at home and abroad, and have become serious threats to human life [14]. Additionally, more and more investigations have demonstrated that heavy metals are the key factor in food pollution due to their harmful effects on human health at low concentrations.…”

Review on Extraction Procedures and Chromatographic Techniques for Analysis of Multiple Pesticides Residues in Honey

“…As it is of primary importance for human health, one should be conscious of its purity. A huge number of pesticides are available in market and are being used frequently for protection of the crops from the damaging insects and weeds (Al-Waili, Salom et al 2012). Especially, in developing countries unwise use of pesticides create an alarming situation (Tilman, Cassman et al 2002).…”

“…Antioxidant power is the prominent characteristics of honey along with other properties like wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, used for gastrointestinal disorders and skin diseases [Al-Waili, Salom et al 2012]. As it is of primary importance for human health, one should be conscious of its purity.…”