A High-Throughput Approach to Monitoring Pesticide Residues in Honey and Propolis: Applications in Albanian Beekeeping

Abstract

Honey and other bee products are valued natural foods and important bioindicators of environmental contamination, yet systematic residue data from Albanian beekeeping producers are limited. This study aimed to characterize pesticide residues in honey and propolis to assess consumer safety and potential risks to bee health. Honey and propolis samples were collected from beekeeping producers in six Albanian regions, including one organic park, to capture managed and semi natural exposure conditions. A validated multi residue QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) based method aligned with USP <561> was applied using GC MS/MS and LC MS/MS to determine ~95 pesticides across organochlorine, organophosphate, pyrethroid and other classes, with compound specific limits of detection and regulatory decision thresholds. All honey samples complied with USP <561> limits and relevant EU maximum residue levels, indicating low dietary risk for consumers and consistency with recent international assessments of honey safety. Two propolis samples contained aldrin/dieldrin, cyfluthrin and/or fenpropathrin at concentrate above maximum residue limits. There were also legacy and current use pesticides detected at low levels in hive related products from organically managed colonies and regions, suggesting environmental contamination. These findings suggest that Albanian honey is safe for human consumption under current conditions, while highlighting potential chronic and sublethal risks to bee colonies from pesticide accumulation in hive materials. Due to simplicity, scalability, and an abundance in analyte coverage, this method may serve as a high-throughput platform for pesticide monitoring in apiculture and provides a robust framework for national residue monitoring in bee products. Bee-related products can be used as a practical bioindicator to guide pollinator protection strategies and pesticide risk management at the country and regional level.