Concerns have arisen over the presence of antibiotic residues in honey, which can pose health risks to consumers. This article explains the reason of antibiotic contamination, potential harmful effects on human health, and the regulatory parameter by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) .
Introduction
The purity and safety of honey have become subjects of increasing concern due to the detection of antibiotic residues. Beekeepers sometimes use antibiotics to prevent and treat bacterial diseases in bee colonies. While this practice aims to maintain the health of bee populations, it can lead to contamination of honey with antibiotic residues, posing potential health risks to consumers.
Why Beekeepers use Antibiotics ?
Bee colonies are susceptible to various bacterial infections that can devastate hives and impact honey production. Common diseases include:
- American Foulbrood (AFB): Caused by Paenibacillus larvae, a spore-forming bacterium.
- European Foulbrood (EFB): Caused by Melissococcus plutonius.
- Varroosis (Varroa Mites): While primarily a parasitic mite infestation, secondary bacterial infections can occur.
To combat these diseases, beekeepers may administer antibiotics such as tetracycline, streptomycin, and sulfonamides. However, the misuse or overuse of these antibiotics can lead to residues in honey.
How antibiotics are given?
Typically, beekeepers mix antibiotics with sugar syrup or pollen patties and place them inside hives for bees to consume. This method ensures that the medication reaches all members of the colony. While effective in controlling bacterial infections, this practice can result in antibiotic residues being deposited in the honey produced by these bees.
Contamination Pathways:
- Direct Contamination: Bees consume antibiotic-laced feed and store excess in honeycomb cells, leading to direct contamination.
- Environmental Persistence: Antibiotics can persist in the hive environment, contaminating future batches of honey even after treatment has ceased.
What harm they can do to consumer’s health?
The presence of antibiotic residues in honey is a public health concern for several reasons:
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Antibiotic Resistance: Regular ingestion of low levels of antibiotics can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a significant global health threat.
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Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to specific antibiotics, leading to adverse reactions upon consumption.
- Toxicity: Certain antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol and nitrofurans, are known to have toxic effects, including:
- Blood Disorders: Chloramphenicol has been linked to aplastic anemia, a serious condition affecting blood cell production.
- Kidney and Liver Damage: Prolonged exposure to antibiotics can impair kidney and liver function.
- Bone and Teeth Issues: Tetracyclines can affect bone growth and discolor teeth, particularly in children.
- Disruption of Gut Microbiota: Antibiotics can alter the natural balance of gut bacteria, affecting digestion and immune function.
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FSSAI’s Regulatory Measures to Control Antibiotics in Honey
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) amended its regulations in 2012 to include standards for antibiotic residues in honey. Key aspects of the regulations are:
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Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs): Specific tolerance limits were established for various antibiotics in honey.
Antibiotic Tolerance Limit (μg/kg) Streptomycin 5.0 Tetracycline 5.0 Ampicillin 5.0 Tylosin 5.0 Ciprofloxacin 5.0 Enrofloxacin 5.0 Erythromycin 5.0 Sulphonamides and their metabolites 5.0 (individually or collectively) Nitrofurans and their metabolites 0.5 (individually or collectively) Chloramphenicol 0.3
Laboratory procedure to detect traces of antibiotics in honey.
1. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- Description: This is the gold standard for detecting antibiotic residues in honey. It separates the compounds in the honey sample and then uses mass spectrometry to identify and quantify even trace amounts of antibiotics.
- Advantages: High sensitivity and specificity, capable of detecting multiple antibiotics simultaneously at very low concentrations (parts per billion).
2. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
- Description: A rapid, cost-effective screening method that uses antibody-antigen reactions to detect specific antibiotics in honey samples.
- Advantages: Simple to use, widely available, and ideal for large-scale initial screening.
- Limitations: Less specific and sensitive than LC-MS/MS, so positive results often require confirmation with more advanced techniques.
3. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Description: HPLC is used to separate and identify antibiotic residues in honey. It can be coupled with different detectors, such as UV or mass spectrometry, to enhance sensitivity.
- Advantages: Effective for various antibiotics but may require more sensitivity when dealing with very low residue levels.
These methods, particularly LC-MS/MS and HPLC, are highly reliable for ensuring honey complies with safety standards for antibiotic residues.
Conclusion
In addition to verifying the purity and authenticity of honey, testing for antibiotic residues is essential to ensure that the honey is safe for consumption and poses no health risks.