Honeybees, along with other pollinating insects, play a vital role in the production of approximately one-third of our food and beverages. Bees, butterflies, and various species contribute to the cultivation of crops worth $24 billion. Pollinators are also essential for growing plants like alfalfa and clover, which serve as feed for cattle. The pollination by honeybees alone is responsible for $15 billion in crops, spanning over 130 types of fruits and vegetables. However, the threats to these pollinators extend beyond pesticide exposure. An alarming decline in bee populations is attributed to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder.
In recent years, honey sales have surged, reflecting a growing consumer preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, sugar sales in the U.S. dropped by 16%, while honey sales soared by 57%. It is not surprising that most honey samples tested positive for some pesticide residues. Enthusiastic consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless limited supplies push prices too high. 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 released findings from a two-year study highlighting the rapid decline in bee populations. Annual surveys conducted among U.S. beekeepers have revealed that about 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during the winter months since 2006. In response to this pressing issue, food companies are taking action to raise awareness. For instance, Alex Placzek, U.S. director of marketing for Häagen-Dazs, noted that honeybees pollinate many ingredients used to produce their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with around 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent ingredients.
Brands such as Celestial Seasonings by Hain Celestial and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have partnered with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting bees. Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” campaigns in recent years. General Mills has collaborated with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Xerces Society in a five-year initiative to restore over 100,000 acres of pollinator habitat by 2021.
Additionally, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year, alleging false and misleading claims regarding the “natural” labeling of its applesauce products. The complaint argued that the presence of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” misleading consumers into believing that they do not contain synthetic substances.
As part of our dietary inquiries, it’s interesting to note that some people wonder if calcium citrate makes you sleepy. Understanding the complexities of nutrition, including how various supplements might affect our energy levels, is crucial in promoting overall health. Awareness of such factors may help consumers make informed choices that not only support their well-being but also contribute to the preservation of precious pollinators like honeybees.