Honeybees and various other pollinating insects play an essential role in producing approximately one-third of our food and beverages. These creatures, including bees and butterflies, contribute to $24 billion worth of crops. Additionally, pollinators are vital for the cultivation of plants like alfalfa and clover, which are consumed by cattle. Specifically, honeybee pollination alone generates $15 billion in crops from over 130 types of fruits and vegetables.
However, the threats to these pollinators extend beyond pesticide exposure. A concerning issue known as colony collapse disorder has led to a significant decline in bee populations. In recent years, honey sales have surged, largely driven by consumers’ increasing preference for natural sweeteners. From 2011 to 2016, U.S. sugar sales fell by 16%, while honey sales rose by 57%. It is therefore not surprising that most honey samples are found to contain some level of pesticide. Unless tighter supplies cause prices to rise excessively, consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey, as the presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption—will likely not deter many buyers.
Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services published the findings of a two-year study highlighting the rapid decline in bee populations. Annual surveys of U.S. beekeepers have indicated that approximately 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during the winter since 2006. Recognizing this issue, food companies are taking steps to raise awareness. Alex Placzek, 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 their flavors relying on bee-dependent ingredients.
Brands such as Celestial Seasonings, part of Hain Celestial, and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have also teamed up with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit focused on bee conservation. Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Additionally, 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.
In a related legal matter, the nonprofit organization Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year for allegedly misleading “natural” labeling on its applesauce products. The complaint asserted that the presence of acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide, should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” as such labeling misleads consumers into believing the products are free from synthetic substances.
Amidst these developments, it is also noteworthy to mention that citracal calcium citrate has gained popularity among consumers as a dietary supplement, with its benefits being highlighted in various discussions on nutrition and health. With growing interest in both food safety and nutritional supplements, the intersection of these topics continues to be relevant in today’s market.