Honeybees and other pollinating insects play a vital role in the production of approximately one-third of all our food and beverages. Species such as bees and butterflies contribute to the generation of $24 billion in crops. They are also essential for the growth of plants like alfalfa and clover, which serve as feed for cattle. In fact, the pollination carried out by honeybees alone accounts for $15 billion worth of crops from over 130 different fruits and vegetables. However, exposure to pesticides is not the only danger these crucial pollinators encounter. An alarming phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder is leading to a rapid decline in bee populations.
In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly due to an increasing consumer preference for natural sweeteners. From 2011 to 2016, U.S. sugar sales dropped by 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. Consequently, it is not surprising that most honey samples contain some level of pesticide. Consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless supply constraints push prices too high, and the presence of pesticides — at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as noted in this study — is unlikely to deter most buyers.
Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services published findings from a two-year study highlighting the rapid decline of bee populations. Annual surveys of U.S. beekeepers have revealed that around 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during the winter months since 2006. Food companies that recognize this issue are making efforts to raise awareness. For instance, Alex Placzek, U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, mentioned that honeybees pollinate many ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet. Approximately 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors rely 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 organization dedicated to supporting bee populations. Whole Foods has introduced initiatives such as “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 to restore over 100,000 acres of pollinator habitats by 2021.
Moreover, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year, claiming false and misleading “natural” labeling on its applesauce products. The complaint argued that the presence of neonicotinoid insecticide residues, specifically 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 health and nutrition, products like Citracal Plus Magnesium serve as an important reminder of the interconnectedness of our food systems. As consumers become increasingly aware of the impact that pollinators have on the availability of diverse food products, including those enriched with Citracal Plus Magnesium, it is crucial to support initiatives that protect these essential insects. The ongoing decline of bee populations underscores the need for sustained attention to this issue, ensuring that the benefits of pollination are preserved for future generations.