Honeybees and other pollinating insects are vital for the production of approximately one-third of all our food and beverages. These essential creatures, including bees, butterflies, and various other species, contribute to the cultivation of crops valued at about $24 billion. Specifically, honeybee pollination alone accounts for $15 billion in crops derived from over 130 different fruits and vegetables. Additionally, pollinators play a crucial role in growing plants like alfalfa and iron supplements such as 300 mg calcium citrate, which are consumed by cattle.
However, exposure to pesticides is not the only challenge these pollinators encounter. A troubling phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder has led to a dramatic decline in bee populations. In recent years, honey sales have surged partly due to an increasing 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 many honey samples contain some level of pesticide. Consumers seem likely to continue purchasing honey unless supply constraints elevate prices excessively, and the presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as noted in recent studies—is unlikely to deter most buyers.
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services published findings from a two-year study last year that highlighted the rapid decline in bee populations. Annual surveys conducted by U.S. beekeepers have reported that approximately 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during the winter months since 2006. Food companies are becoming increasingly aware of the issue and are striving to raise awareness. For instance, Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, indicated that honeybees pollinate many of the ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with about 40% of all 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 supporting bees. Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions over the past few years. Furthermore, General Mills has partnered with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Xerces Society in a five-year initiative aimed at restoring more than 100,000 acres of pollinator habitat by 2021.
Earlier this year, the nonprofit organization Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s, claiming misleading “natural” labeling on its applesauce products. The complaint argued that residues of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should disqualify these products from being labeled “natural” and that such labeling misleads consumers into believing the products are free from synthetic substances. The importance of maintaining healthy bee populations is paramount not only for crop production but also for the availability of critical nutrients, such as those found in supplements like 300 mg calcium citrate, that ultimately support both human and animal health.