Pollen

The bees gather pollen for their nourishment from different plants and carry it as “pollen load” into the hive. Pollen is the main protein source for the honeybees.

A bee collects pollen — © R. Ritter

Pollen is a very important source of protein, especially for the development of larvae and young bees.

Pollen is also a dietary supplement for human consumption. The legal food requirements, as well as the specific requirements for pollen are indicated in the Swiss Food Directive.

Per la valutazione della qualità del polline è possibile fare riferimento ai criteri del precedente Manuale svizzero delle derrate alimentari (2003).

Schweizerischen Pollenimkervereinigung SPIV: Further information on pollen, especially on pollen harvest

Schweizerischen Pollenimkervereinigung SPIV (German)

• Residues in the pollen

  We developed a proof-of-concept for pesticide monitoring using pollen. Sampling at multiple locations over several years provides an overview of the pesticide exposure of honey bees in Switzerland. These studies together with our beeswax monitoring can also be used to monitor risk reduction measures.
  

• Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs) in Swiss pollen

  We studied the botanical origin of pollen collected during the flowering period of Echium vulgare. Bees collected relatively few Echium pollen loads. Since E. vulgare pollen contains very high PA concentrations, just a few pollen loads are sufficient to contaminate the overall pollen production. Furthermore, we studied the stability of PAs in bee bread. The majority of PAs remained stable during storage. Hence, monitoring PAs by chemical analysis remains an important element of ensuring good quality of pollen products.

  Beekeepers are therefore advised to avoid especially large areas of viper’s bugloss plants in the vicinity of the hives. By ending pollen collection at the beginning of July, beekeepers can avoid hemp agrimony-type alkaloids.

  Further information on Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in pollen