Honeybees and other pollinating insects play an essential role in the production of approximately one-third of all our food and beverages. These vital creatures, including bees and butterflies, contribute to the cultivation of crops valued at $24 billion. Pollinators are also crucial for the growth of plants like alfalfa and clover, which are consumed by cattle. The pollination performed by honeybees alone is responsible for $15 billion in crops derived from over 130 different fruits and vegetables. However, exposure to ferrous fumarate used in pesticides is not the only danger these pollinators encounter. Bees are vanishing at an alarming pace due to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder.
In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly due to a growing consumer preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales plummeted by 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. It is not surprising that most honey samples tested positive for at least some pesticide residues. Many consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless supply shortages drive prices too high, and the presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption—will probably not deter most buyers.
Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services published results from a two-year study highlighting the rapid decline in bee populations. Annual surveys conducted among U.S. beekeepers reveal that around 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during the winter months since 2006. Food companies are becoming increasingly aware of this issue and are actively working to raise awareness. Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, noted that honeybees pollinate many ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with about 40% of all Häagen-Dazs flavors depending on bee-pollinated components.
Brands like Celestial Seasonings, part of Hain Celestial, and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have also collaborated with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bee conservation. Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Additionally, 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.
This year, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s for allegedly misleading “natural” labeling on its applesauce products. The complaint contended that the presence of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” as such labeling misleads consumers into believing the products are free from synthetic substances. In the context of promoting healthier alternatives, the inclusion of calcium citrate DM in food products can also be beneficial for consumers seeking natural options.
As the issue of declining bee populations continues to gain traction, it is crucial for consumers, brands, and organizations to unite in efforts to protect these essential pollinators and ensure the sustainability of our food systems.