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The Presence of Microplastics in Honey
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This review summarizes existing research on microplastics found in honey. It reports that bees can carry microplastics from air, soil, water, pollen, and nectar into hives, and that beekeeping equipment and packaging can also add contamination.
Microplastics, a byproduct of environmental pollution, contaminates the food chain. This study evaluated research on microplastics in honey, an indispensable food. The literature shows that microplastics are a common contaminant in honey. It is understood that the presence of microplastics in honey is caused by many factors. Bees, in particular, can carry microplastics from the air, soil, water, pollen, and nectar to the hive. Honey can also be contaminated with microplastics due to beekeeping activities and packaging. In order to reduce contamination, the use of plastics in beekeeping, honey production and packaging processes should be avoided and beekeeping activities should be carried out in areas far from industrial areas and where the population is not dense.
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Microplastics comprehensive review: Impact on honey bee, occurrence in honey and health risk evaluation
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This systematic review examines how microplastics contaminate honey through bees and their environment. The findings show that bees accumulate microplastics from polluted air, water, and soil, which can then end up in honey — a product many people consume for its health benefits.
Microplastics incorporated by honeybees from food are transferred to honey, wax and larvae
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Researchers found that when honeybees consume food contaminated with microplastics, the particles are transferred to honey, beeswax, and developing larvae inside the hive. Chronic exposure did not significantly affect colony growth, but the presence of microplastics in honey means humans may be ingesting them through this food source. This study reveals another pathway by which microplastics can enter the human diet through contaminated bee products.
Are Honey Bees at Risk from Microplastics?
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This review examines whether microplastics pose a risk to honey bee populations, noting that microplastics have been detected in honey samples and on bees collected from both urban and rural areas. Researchers found that exposure to certain polymer types may affect bee health, and the study calls for more research to understand the risks of microplastic exposure to pollinators and the broader implications for ecosystem health.
Lack of evidence for microplastic contamination in honey
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Researchers investigated five Swiss honey samples for microplastic contamination using a standardised extraction protocol designed to distinguish plastic particles from natural honey constituents such as pollen and wax, finding no evidence of microplastic contamination.
Honey Quality and Microplastic Migration from Food Packaging: A Potential Threat for Consumer Health?
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Researchers investigated the potential for microplastic migration from plastic food packaging into honey products, reviewing evidence that storage containers can release microplastic and nanoplastic particles into this widely consumed food, posing potential consumer health concerns.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.