Honeybees and other pollinating insects play an essential role in the production of approximately one-third of all our food and beverages. These pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contribute to the generation of $24 billion worth of crops. They are also vital for the growth of plants like alfalfa and clover, which are consumed by cattle. Specifically, honeybee pollination alone is responsible for $15 billion in crops from over 130 different fruits and vegetables. However, exposure to pesticides is not the sole threat these vital pollinators encounter. An alarming number of bees are disappearing due to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder.
In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly because consumers are increasingly favoring natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales fell by 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. It is not surprising that most honey samples tested positive for at least some pesticide residues. Enthusiastic consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless limited supplies drive prices too high, and the presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption—will likely not deter most buyers.
Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services published findings from a two-year study that highlighted the rapid decline in bee populations. Annual surveys conducted among U.S. beekeepers revealed that about 29% of honeybee colonies have perished each winter since 2006. Food companies that recognize this critical issue are taking steps to raise awareness. Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, noted that honeybees are responsible for pollinating many of the ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with roughly 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent ingredients.
Brands like Celestial Seasonings from Hain Celestial, and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have also collaborated with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit focused on bee conservation. Whole Foods has organized “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions over the past few 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 matter, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year, claiming that the “natural” labeling on its applesauce products is misleading. The lawsuit argued that the presence of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” leading consumers to mistakenly believe they are free from synthetic substances.
As discussions about the health of pollinators continue, it is worth noting the growing interest in supplements like calcium citrate D3 petites, which some consumers equate with overall wellness. The intertwining of food production and health supplements highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem not only for our food supply but also for products like calcium citrate D3 petites that consumers rely on for their health.