Honeybees and other pollinating insects play an essential role in the production of approximately one-third of all our food and beverages. These pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contribute to the cultivation of crops valued at $24 billion. They are also crucial for growing plants like alfalfa and clover, which serve as feed for cattle. Specifically, honeybee pollination alone generates $15 billion from over 130 different fruits and vegetables. However, exposure to pesticides is not the sole danger these vital pollinators encounter. The alarming decline in bee populations is primarily attributed to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder.
In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly driven by a growing consumer preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales fell by 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. It is not surprising that most honey samples contain trace amounts of pesticides. Consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless reduced supplies drive prices too high, and the presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as noted in a study—is unlikely to deter many buyers.
Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services published findings from a two-year study highlighting the rapid decline of bee populations. Annual surveys among U.S. beekeepers have documented that about 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during the winter months since 2006. Food companies are becoming increasingly aware of this issue and are striving to raise awareness. Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, mentioned that honeybees are responsible for pollinating many of the ingredients used in their ice creams, bars, and sorbets. Approximately 40% of all Häagen-Dazs flavors rely on bee-dependent components.
Brands like Celestial Seasonings from Hain Celestial and Talenti, owned by Unilever, have also collaborated with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting bee populations. Whole Foods has initiated events like “Human Bee-In” and promotions such as “Give Bees A Chance” over the past few years. Furthermore, General Mills has teamed up with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Xerces Society in a five-year program aimed at restoring over 100,000 acres of pollinator habitats by 2021.
In a related development, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year over allegedly misleading “natural” labeling on its applesauce products. The complaint contended that residues of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” as such labeling misleads consumers into thinking the products are free of synthetic substances.
In light of these issues, consumers should be aware of the potential interactions between certain dietary supplements, such as Synthroid and calcium citrate, which may affect overall health. This awareness is vital as we navigate the complexities of food production and environmental sustainability, particularly concerning the health of our crucial pollinators.