Neonicotinoid Concentrations Low in UK Honey

Neonicotinoid Concentrations in UK Honey from 2013

Pest Management Science
Accepted Article

Background

Concentrations of the neonicotinoid insecticides clothianidin, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid were determined in honey collected in Spring 2013 from a variety of locations in England. The honey was produced before the moratorium in the EU on the use of neonicotinoids in pollinator-attractive crops became effective.

Results

Neither imidacloprid, not its metabolites were detected in any honey samples. Concentrations of clothianidin ranged from < 0.02 µg/kg to 0.82 µg/kg and thiamethoxam concentrations were between < 0.01 µg/kg and 0.79 µg/kg.

Conclusion

Neonicotinoid concentrations were below those likely to cause any chronic mortality. The concentrations detected should provide a useful baseline against which the effectiveness of the moratorium in reducing exposure of honeybees can be measured.