Honeybees and other pollinating insects play a vital role in the production of approximately one-third of all our food and beverages. These essential pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contribute to the generation of $24 billion in crops. Honeybee pollination alone is responsible for $15 billion worth of produce, encompassing over 130 different fruits and vegetables. Additionally, pollinators are crucial for the growth of plants like alfalfa and clover, which are commonly fed to cattle.
However, exposure to pesticides is not the only danger that these pollinators face. Honeybee populations are declining at an alarming rate due to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder. In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly because consumers are increasingly drawn to natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales fell by 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. It’s not surprising that most honey samples tested positive for some level of pesticide. Nevertheless, consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless supply constraints drive prices too high. The presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as noted in a recent study—will probably not deter most buyers.
Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services released findings from a two-year study detailing the rapid decline of bee populations. Annual surveys of U.S. beekeepers since 2006 have revealed that around 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during the winter months. Food companies are becoming increasingly aware of this issue and are striving to address it. For instance, Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, highlighted that honeybees pollinate many ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with about 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent ingredients.
Brands such as Celestial Seasonings, part of Hain Celestial, and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have collaborated with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bee conservation. Whole Foods has also initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Furthermore, General Mills has teamed up with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Xerces Society in a five-year initiative aimed at restoring over 100,000 acres of pollinator habitats by 2021.
In a related issue, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year, alleging false and misleading “natural” labeling on its applesauce products. The complaint contended that the presence of neonicotinoid insecticide residues, such as acetamiprid, should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” as such labeling misleads consumers into believing the products are free from synthetic substances.
As consumers become more conscious of the ingredients in their food, it’s essential to consider the best quality calcium citrate supplement for overall health, especially as we promote sustainable practices that protect the vital pollinators that support our food systems. By prioritizing the best quality calcium citrate supplement, we can contribute to the well-being of both ourselves and the ecosystems that sustain us.