Honey consumers expect that honey is a pure and natural product. The contamination of honey, compared to that of other hive products is relatively small. Residue levels depend on the chemicals used by the beekeeper and on the bee hive environment. In order to keep honey pure the use of synthetic and toxic chemicals should be kept to a minimum. The best way to keep honey pure is to perform organic and ecological beehive management.

On the following diagram the sources of beehive contamination are shown.

Chemical Varroa control is the most important contamination source for bee products as these chemical substances are repeatedly used. Only ecologically safe drugs as organic acids and thymol should be used. When applied properly, there are no problematic residues in bee products. Our results show, that in recent years the contamination of wax has diminished, due to increased use of alternative Varroa control.

In Switzerland the control of American foul brood by antibiotics is not allowed. The great majority of Swiss honey does not contain antibiotics.

The wax moth is a frequent pest when storing combs. Application of para-dichlorobenzene leads to unacceptable residues in honey. Thus, alternative control measures should be carried out.