Unveiling bee pollen's contamination with pesticides and mycotoxins: Current analytical procedures, results and regulation

Abstract

Bee pollen is a food supplement that is receiving increasing attention for its nutraceutical and therapeutic properties. However, several uncertainties on the safety of this beekeeping product still exist. The present work addressed this issue through the critical evaluation of 61 studies, published over the 2014–2024 period, and focused on the analysis of pesticides and mycotoxins in bee pollen. A comprehensive examination of the analytical procedures employed for the analysis of these contaminants was performed. Overall, 358 pesticides and 7 mycotoxins were found in bee pollen, with certain compounds being globally distributed and frequently encountered. An overview of the existing European regulations concerning pesticide and mycotoxin levels in food was presented, emphasizing the exclusion of bee pollen from the list of monitored commodities. The findings of the reviewed studies revealed the necessity of gathering more data on bee pollen's contamination and consumption, in order to finally perform reliable risk assessments.