Influence of beekeeping practice on honey authenticity

When bee feeding supplements can be problematic

Dec 2021. Bee feeding supplements containing sugars or protein as a nectar and pollen substitute can cause residues in honey. If significant residues of these supplements are detected during the authenticity and quality testing of honey, this can result in a non-conformity with the EU Honey Directive and the non-marketability of the affected product. Read in this article what to look for to avoid such objections.

Composition and use of bee feeding supplements

Sugar containing bee feed is used to replace cropped honey as food for overwintering, as a supplemental feeding for hive development in early spring, or as an emergency feeding during periods with lack of sufficient natural nectar flow to prevent starvation. However, beekeepers have to take care not to overfeed, so that the bees use up the stored feed and any remainder of bee feed is removed from the beehive before the next nectar flow. Otherwise, there is a risk that foreign sugars contaminate the honey, particularly when surplus feed is available to the bees. In most cases, it is not possible by analytical means to differentiate between foreign sugar contamination caused by excessive feeding and deliberate adulteration by dilution with sugar syrup. Therefore, the detection of foreign sugars in significant amounts regularly results in the objection of honey samples.

Likewise, protein containing bee feed as a pollen substitute may negatively affect honey authenticity and quality. They are used sometimes when certain plants provide good nectar or honeydew but are insufficient protein sources. In order to prevent malnutrition, protein substitutes like soy flour, yeast and skimmed milk powder are commonly used. However, these products are problematic in respect to honey authenticity and quality. For example, residues of milk powder (beta-lactoglobulin, casein) quite often cause the objection of honey samples. In addition, yeast and soy flower can have a negative impact on honey authenticity assessments, so that honeys with technically avoidable residues of these substances are classified as non-authentic.

Complex bee feeding supplements containing both sugars and protein have to be treated with equal caution. New supplements with probiotic components are emerging on the market but their impact on the composition, quality and authenticity of honey has not been sufficiently investigated by scientific studies so far.

Your competent partner

The Eurofins Food & Feed Testing Laboratory network in Germany offers a comprehensive authenticity and quality control of honey as well as consultation for beekeepers, purchasers, packers and trade. However, not only the honey as an end product should be checked for quality and authenticity. It is also advisable to check the bee feeds used in beekeeping for their suitability before use. You are welcome to provide us with reference samples of your feeds to avoid ambiguities in the authenticity assessment.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions about residues of bee feeding supplements or honey authenticity in general.