This systematic review synthesizes global evidence on pesticide residues in honey and bee pollen reported in 39 studies published between 2010 and 2025. Across regions, residue levels were generally low—typically below 10 μg kg−1 and well under established maximum residue limits, with some regional variation and occasional higher concentrations reported. The residue profile has generally shifted over time from organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides toward neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, and modern systemic fungicides, although the extent of this transition varies across regions. Improvements in QuEChERS-based extraction and LC–MS/MS methodologies have further increased analytical sensitivity and broadened compound coverage. Estimated dietary risks were negligible, with Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values generally below 1 and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) values largely below 10−4, with some studies reporting elevated risk estimates under specific conditions. Ecological indicators such as bee Hazard Quotient (bee HQ) and Pollen Hazard Quotient (PHQ) also suggest low acute toxicity, though occasional exposure peaks may cause sublethal stress. These findings suggest that honey and pollen pose very low dietary risks, while also serving as important bioindicators for monitoring pesticide exposure and guiding pollinator protection policies.
Li et al. (Wed,) studied this question.