Pesticide contamination in bee products across Europe and associated countries: a six‑year perspective

The contamination of bee products with pesticide residues is a growing concern due to its potential impact on bee health, product safety, and consumer exposure. This study presents a comprehensive review of pesticide residues detected in bee-related matrices across Europe and associated countries such as Turkey over the past six years. The analysis covers key pesticide families, including acaricides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, inert ingredients, and other chemical-related compounds. Acaricides, such as coumaphos, tau-fluvalinate, and amitraz, remain predominant due to their use in varroa mite control, while neonicotinoids and organophosphates continue to raise concerns for bee colony health. Among neonicotinoids, acetamiprid, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam are often detected in the hive and bee products. Additionally, the presence of emerging contaminants and banned pesticides underscore the complexity of residue accumulation in hive matrices. Residue levels varied among honey, pollen, beeswax, and bee bread, reflecting the influence of physicochemical properties and environmental exposure pathways.

Analytical methodologies based on targeted analysis with tandem liquid chromatography or gas chromatography–mass spectrometry remain the gold standard for pesticide detection in bee products. This review emphasizes critical challenges in monitoring pesticide residues, including regulatory gaps, the need for harmonized surveillance protocols, and the necessity for improved risk assessment frameworks. These findings call for stricter monitoring programs, updated regulatory policies, and the development of innovative analytical approaches to assess pesticide exposure in beekeeping environments. Future research should focus on alternative pest management strategies to the use of pesticides, and the long-term implications of pesticide mixtures on bee colony dynamics.