Heavy metals in Honey

Quick read

Most monitored honey is low in metals, but lead is the one to check: the EU limit is 100 µg/kg, and small apiary surveys report much higher and less consistent results.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{2European Commission · 2023Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006Official Journal of the European UnionRead source →}^{3Aghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, Nazmara S · 2015Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryJournal of Environmental Health Science & EngineeringRead source →}

Metals of concern:
Lead decides most honey questions; cadmium, mercury and arsenic are usually near or below detection.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}
Main drivers:
Forage area and nearby industry, honey type for aluminium, and contact with metal containers.^{3Aghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, Nazmara S · 2015Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryJournal of Environmental Health Science & EngineeringRead source →}^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}^{6Manouchehri A, Pirhadi M, Shokri S, Khaniki GJ, Shamaei S, Miranzadeh MH · 2021The Possible Effects of Heavy Metals in Honey as Toxic and Carcinogenic Substances on Human Health: A Systematic ReviewArı Dergisi / Uludag Bee JournalRead source →}
Practical framing:
Ask for lot-specific lead results with a quantification limit well below 100 µg/kg.^{2European Commission · 2023Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006Official Journal of the European UnionRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}

Honey overview

Large monitoring datasets find most honey lead, cadmium and mercury results at or below their reporting limits.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →} In WHO GEMS/Food, about one third of 4,901 European lead results and about a quarter of 1,000 results from the Americas were above detection, and the most recent European period had the fewest results definitely above the EU limit.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} All three FDA Total Diet Study honey composites from 2018–2020 were below every reporting limit, including 4 µg/kg for lead.^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}

Lead is still the metal that decides most honey questions. The EU sets a binding maximum of 0.10 mg/kg (100 µg/kg) for lead in honey and no honey limit for the other metals.^{2European Commission · 2023Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006Official Journal of the European UnionRead source →} Australia’s total diet studies found lead in honey at a median of 40 µg/kg and later a mean of 24 µg/kg, placing honey among the highest-lead foods tested, though honey contributed little to most people’s lead intake.^{7Food Standards Australia New Zealand · 201925th Australian Total Diet StudyFood Standards Australia New ZealandRead source →}^{8Food Standards Australia New Zealand · 2011The 23rd Australian Total Diet StudyFood Standards Australia New ZealandRead source →}

Small apiary surveys tell a different and less consistent story. Means of 90–190 µg/kg in eastern Morocco and 205–935 µg/kg across four Iranian regions sit above the pooled honey reference, while Balkan and Turkish surveys and most Polish surveys sit within it.^{3Aghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, Nazmara S · 2015Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryJournal of Environmental Health Science & EngineeringRead source →}^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}^{9Limani Bektashi N, Abazi D, Popovska O, Latifi A, Reka AA · 2021Characterization of honey: determination of metal and sugar contentJournal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental SciencesRead source →}^{10Abeslami A, El Farissi H, Cacciola F, El Bachiri A, Sindic M, Fauconnier ML, Bruneau E, Talhaoui A · 2025Unveiling the Mineral and Sugar Richness of Moroccan Honeys: A Study of Botanical Origins and Quality IndicatorsMoleculesRead source →}^{11Gunes ME · 2021Chestnut Honey as a Complementary Medicine: Determination of Antibacterial Activity, Heavy Metal Residue and Health Risk AssessmentJournal of Advances in VetBio Science and TechniquesRead source →}^{12Wilczyńska A, Żak N, Stasiuk E · 2026Selected Toxic Elements and Pesticide Residues in Organic and Conventional Honey from Poland: A Preliminary Comparative StudyAgriculture 2026, 16, 2154Read source →} One small Polish study of 15 honeys (12 organic, 3 conventional) reported a mean of 147 µg/kg lead and up to 644 µg/kg, and said 7 of the 12 organic honeys exceeded the EU limit; it states no detection limit, reference material or recovery, so its rows are shown as printed and not used to rate honey.^{12Wilczyńska A, Żak N, Stasiuk E · 2026Selected Toxic Elements and Pesticide Residues in Organic and Conventional Honey from Poland: A Preliminary Comparative StudyAgriculture 2026, 16, 2154Read source →} Several of the highest reported values fail checks against their own papers, so the page shows them but does not compare them.^{13Wise JP Jr, Wise RM, Hoffert A, Wise JTF, Specht AJ · 2025Elevated Metal Levels in U.S. Honeys: Is There a Concern for Human Health?Biological Trace Element ResearchRead source →}^{14Teferi AN, Dibabe YB, Debalke AG, Beyene TW, Feng W, Ho C · 2026Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Associated Health Risks in Honey from Kellem Wollega Zone, EthiopiaToxicsRead source →}^{15Salama AS, Etorki AM, Awad MH · 2019Determination of Physicochemical Properties and Toxic Heavy Metals Levels in Honey Samples from West of LibyaJournal of Advanced Chemical SciencesRead source →} For a buyer, the supported priority is a lot-specific lead result measured with a method able to see well below 100 µg/kg; country of origin alone does not settle it.^{2European Commission · 2023Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006Official Journal of the European UnionRead source →}^{16Karagozlu M, Asir S, Abu Shama N, Gokturk I, Yilmaz F, Turkmen D, Denizli A, Ozgoren M · 2024Development of Molecularly Imprinted Magnetic Amino Acid-Based Nanoparticles for Voltammetric Analysis of Lead Ions in HoneyPolymers 2024, 16, 1782Read source →}

What counts as honey

This page covers honey as sold or collected from the hive: blossom honeys named by floral source, honeydew honey, and multifloral blends, measured as they are eaten without moisture conversion.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}^{17Naccari C, Ferrantelli V, Cammilleri G, Barbaccia G, Riolo P, Ferrante MC, Procopio A, Palma E · 2025Study of Toxic Metals and Microelements in Honey as a Tool to Support Beekeeping Production and Consumer SafetyFoods 2025, 14, 1986Read source →} Bee-fed sugar syrup, a Libyan “black honey” made from sugar cane, and foods that contain honey are outside this scope, as is the “honey mushroom”, a fungus that shares the name in Hong Kong’s contaminant schedule.^{18Aburas NM, Amaizah NR, Hadidan ME · 2023Pollution assessment by estimation of Lead and Cadmium concentrations and some physical properties in a number of types of Libyan HoneyBani Waleed University Journal of Humanities and Applied SciencesRead source →}^{19Hidalgo MJ, Villafane RN, Sgroppo SC, Marchevsky EJ, Pellerano RG · 2015Toxic Trace Element Contents in Gluten-free Cereal Bars Marketed in ArgentinaInternational Journal of Celiac Disease 3(1):12-16Read source →}^{20Depa Keshava R. · 2019Heavy Metals in Baby Foods and Cereal ProductsTurkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics EducationRead source →}^{21Hong Kong e-Legislation · 2025Hong Kong Cap. 132V Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations, consolidated 5 September 2025Hong Kong e-Legislation Cap. 132VRead source →}

Honey’s identity matters because studies use different words for different things. A “region” in GEMS/Food is a WHO reporting region, not where bees foraged, and several surveys report the place of purchase rather than the apiary.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{9Limani Bektashi N, Abazi D, Popovska O, Latifi A, Reka AA · 2021Characterization of honey: determination of metal and sugar contentJournal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental SciencesRead source →}

Heavy metal contamination profile of honey

The table holds every honey result extracted from 30 survey, total diet and monitoring sources: one row for each statistic a source reports for a subgroup and metal, so a mean, a median and a range from the same samples appear as separate rows.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}^{17Naccari C, Ferrantelli V, Cammilleri G, Barbaccia G, Riolo P, Ferrante MC, Procopio A, Palma E · 2025Study of Toxic Metals and Microelements in Honey as a Tool to Support Beekeeping Production and Consumer SafetyFoods 2025, 14, 1986Read source →}^{7Food Standards Australia New Zealand · 201925th Australian Total Diet StudyFood Standards Australia New ZealandRead source →}^{8Food Standards Australia New Zealand · 2011The 23rd Australian Total Diet StudyFood Standards Australia New ZealandRead source →} Ratings place a mean, median or single result against a pooled HMI honey reference built from seven lead sampling families and six cadmium families; non-detects remain intervals and are never read as zero.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{17Naccari C, Ferrantelli V, Cammilleri G, Barbaccia G, Riolo P, Ferrante MC, Procopio A, Palma E · 2025Study of Toxic Metals and Microelements in Honey as a Tool to Support Beekeeping Production and Consumer SafetyFoods 2025, 14, 1986Read source →}^{9Limani Bektashi N, Abazi D, Popovska O, Latifi A, Reka AA · 2021Characterization of honey: determination of metal and sugar contentJournal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental SciencesRead source →}^{22Shukla V, Kumar A · 2020Melissopalynological and physicochemical analysis of honey samples from Prayagraj District, Uttar PradeshActa PalaeobotanicaRead source →} Rows that failed a check against their own paper stay visible with the reason and are not compared.^{13Wise JP Jr, Wise RM, Hoffert A, Wise JTF, Specht AJ · 2025Elevated Metal Levels in U.S. Honeys: Is There a Concern for Human Health?Biological Trace Element ResearchRead source →}^{14Teferi AN, Dibabe YB, Debalke AG, Beyene TW, Feng W, Ho C · 2026Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Associated Health Risks in Honey from Kellem Wollega Zone, EthiopiaToxicsRead source →}^{15Salama AS, Etorki AM, Awad MH · 2019Determination of Physicochemical Properties and Toxic Heavy Metals Levels in Honey Samples from West of LibyaJournal of Advanced Chemical SciencesRead source →}

Comparison methods and scope

Each row is one statistic a source reports for one subgroup and metal; a mean, median and range from the same samples are separate rows. Ratings place a reported mean, median or sample result against a pooled HMI reference built from every compatible honey sampling family. Same-study contrasts compare a subgroup with its own study total. Held rows failed a check against their own paper and are shown but not compared.

Filter findings

AnalyteCollection regionCollection periodSourceCompare withComparable findings only

1040 of 1040 findings · 11 analytes

About this table

Food formCollection scopeFindingComparisonEvidence

Honey findings from every extracted survey, total diet study and monitoring dataset, in µg/kg with each source’s statistic, censoring and sampling frame retained.
Food form	Collection scope	Finding

301 findings · 29 studies · 38 spread figures folded in
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EMRO; unknown2020	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; random sampling2003–2019	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; unknown2003–2019	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region PAHO; random sampling2000–2021	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region PAHO; unknown2020	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region SEARO; random sampling2020	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region WPRO; random sampling2008–2014	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region WPRO; targeted sampling1998–2008	median.
Honey (FDA TDS food 172)FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020	United States national collectionsYear not reported	not detected.
honey (ATDS food; floral type not reported)FSANZ 23rd ATDS	Honey (all ATDS honey composites)2008	median.
honey (ATDS food; floral type not reported)FSANZ 25th ATDS	Honey2013–2014	mean.
honey (7 botanical types)Abeslami et al. 2025	All honey typesCollection date unreported	range.
carob honeyAbeslami et al. 2025	CarobCollection date unreported	mean.
citrus honeyAbeslami et al. 2025	CitrusCollection date unreported	mean.
eucalyptus honeyAbeslami et al. 2025	EucalyptusCollection date unreported	mean.
jujube honeyAbeslami et al. 2025	JujubeCollection date unreported	mean.
multifloral honeyAbeslami et al. 2025	MultifloralCollection date unreported	mean.
rosemary honeyAbeslami et al. 2025	RosemaryCollection date unreported	mean.
thyme honeyAbeslami et al. 2025	ThymeCollection date unreported	mean.
Honey solution / sugar-solution honey (عسل المحلول)Aburas et al. 2023	Honey solution / sugar-solutionCollection date unreported	sample value.
Sidr honey (عسل السدر)Aburas et al. 2023	Sidr honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
Tamarisk/athel honey (عسل الأثل)Aburas et al. 2023	Tamarisk/athel honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
Thyme honey (عسل الزعتر)Aburas et al. 2023	Thyme honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	All samples2013	mean.Same samples: 117–1,630 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	All samples2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	East2013	mean.Same samples: 432–1,630 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	East2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	North2013	mean.Same samples: 145–961 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	North2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	South2013	mean.Same samples: 117–380 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	South2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	West2013	mean.Same samples: 134–871 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	West2013	range.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported honey (IH1-IH6), Dhaka2024	not detected.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	not detected.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	not detected.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	not detected.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	not detected.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	not detected.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	not detected.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local honey (LH1-LH6), Dhaka2024	not detected.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local processed retail honey2024	not detected.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local processed retail honey2024	not detected.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local processed retail honey2024	not detected.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local unprocessed honey from2024	not detected.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local unprocessed honey from2024	not detected.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local unprocessed honey from2024	not detected.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Al-Baha2017mg/L as reported	not detected.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Asir2017mg/L as reported	not detected.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Jazan2017mg/L as reported	not detected.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Makkah2017mg/L as reported	not detected.
Honey, polyfloralBartha et al. 2020	six apiaries around Copsa MicaCollection date unreported	median.Same samples: 760–3,410 µg/kg (range)
Honey, polyfloralBartha et al. 2020	six apiaries around Copsa MicaCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L1 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L2 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L3 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L4 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L5 rural2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L6 rural2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L7 rural2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L8 rural2018	mean.
Acacia honey with almondsGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honey with almonds2004–2005	not detected.
Acacia honey with peanutsGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honey with peanuts2004–2005	not detected.
Acacia honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Apple honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Apple honey2004–2005	not detected.
Buckwheat honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Buckwheat honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Chestnut honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Chestnut honey2004–2005	not detected.
Dandelion honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Dandelion honey2004–2005	not detected.
Eucalyptus honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Eucalyptus honey2004–2005	not detected.
Heather honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Heather honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Honeydew honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Honeydew honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Lime honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Lime honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Multifloral honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Multifloral honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Orange honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Orange honey2004–2005	not detected.
Rape honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Rape honeys2004–2005	not detected.
chestnut honey (raw)Gunes 2021	Yalova chestnut honey2014	mean.Same samples: 0.096 µg/kg (minimum); 39.1 µg/kg (maximum)
chestnut honey (raw)Gunes 2021	Yalova chestnut honey2014	min.
chestnut honey (raw)Gunes 2021	Yalova chestnut honey2014	max.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	AbnubCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	AbnubCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	AbnubCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	AbnubCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	AbutigCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	AbutigCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	AbutigCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	AbutigCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-BadaryCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-BadaryCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-BadaryCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-BadaryCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, citrusHassan et al. 2010	Al-BadaryCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, citrusHassan et al. 2010	Al-BadaryCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-FatehCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-FatehCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-FatehCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-FatehCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-GhanayemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-GhanayemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-GhanayemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-GhanayemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-QusiyaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-QusiyaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-QusiyaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-QusiyaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	AssiutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	AssiutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	AssiutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	AssiutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	DairutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	DairutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	DairutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	DairutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	ManfalutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	ManfalutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	ManfalutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	ManfalutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	MangapadCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	MangapadCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	MangapadCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	MangapadCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Sahil SalemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Sahil SalemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Sahil SalemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Sahil SalemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, citrusHassan et al. 2010	Sahil SalemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, citrusHassan et al. 2010	Sahil SalemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	SedfaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	SedfaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	SedfaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	SedfaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	mean.Same samples: 2.5–690 µg/kg (range)
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	median.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	range.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	blend honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	peri-urban honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	rural honey2016–2018	sample value.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	rural honey2016–2018	sample value.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	rural honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	urban honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey, acaciaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Acacia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 44.8–108 µg/kg (range)
Honey, acaciaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Acacia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, acaciaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Acacia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Algeria, all honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 11.5–77.2 µg/kg (range)
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Algeria, all honeysCollection date unreported	median.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Algeria, all honeysCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	all honeys (Algeria and Poland)Collection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 11.5–756 µg/kg (range)
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	all honeys (Algeria and Poland)Collection date unreported	median.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	all honeys (Algeria and Poland)Collection date unreported	range.
Honey, buckwheatKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Buckwheat honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 68.7–76.2 µg/kg (range)
Honey, buckwheatKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Buckwheat honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, buckwheatKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Buckwheat honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, eucalyptusKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Eucalyptus honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 18.3–57.5 µg/kg (range)
Honey, eucalyptusKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Eucalyptus honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, eucalyptusKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Eucalyptus honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, honeydew broadleafKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew broadleaf honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 39.8–62.8 µg/kg (range)
Honey, honeydew broadleafKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew broadleaf honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, honeydew broadleafKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew broadleaf honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, honeydew coniferKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew conifer honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 58.7–63.8 µg/kg (range)
Honey, honeydew coniferKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew conifer honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, honeydew coniferKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew conifer honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, jujubeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Jujube honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, limeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Lime honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 38.4–67 µg/kg (range)
Honey, limeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Lime honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, limeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Lime honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, multifloral darkKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral dark honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 55.5–756 µg/kg (range)
Honey, multifloral darkKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral dark honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, multifloral darkKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral dark honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, multifloral lightKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral light honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 53.7–60.8 µg/kg (range)
Honey, multifloral lightKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral light honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, multifloral lightKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral light honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, orange treeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Orange tree honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 66.9–77.2 µg/kg (range)
Honey, orange treeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Orange tree honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, orange treeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Orange tree honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, parsleyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Parsley honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, phaceliaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Phacelia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 57.7–81.7 µg/kg (range)
Honey, phaceliaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Phacelia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, phaceliaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Phacelia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Poland, all honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 38.4–756 µg/kg (range)
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Poland, all honeysCollection date unreported	median.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Poland, all honeysCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, rapeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rape honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 55.1–66.5 µg/kg (range)
Honey, rapeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rape honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, rapeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rape honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, rosemaryKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rosemary honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, spanish thistleKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Spanish thistle honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, spurgeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Spurge honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 20.5–32.7 µg/kg (range)
Honey, spurgeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Spurge honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, spurgeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Spurge honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, thymeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Thyme honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, watercressKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Watercress honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, wild carrotKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Wild carrot honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	all honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 4.36–28.1 µg/kg (range)
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	all honeysCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 North (Zahedan, Zabol)Collection date unreported	mean.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	mean.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	mean.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, unifloral and multifloralKılıç et al. 2017	all honeys2015–2016	not detected.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	all 15 honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 10–140 µg/kg (range)
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	all 15 honeysCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 1Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 2Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 3Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 4Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 5Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 6Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLigor et al. 2022	all honeysCollection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	all samplesCollection date unreported	range.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 1Collection date unreported	sample value.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 2 (beekeeper from Skopje)Collection date unreported	sample value.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 3 (beekeeper from Preshevo)Collection date unreported	sample value.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 4Collection date unreported	sample value.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 5Collection date unreported	sample value.
honey (all five floral varieties)Naccari et al. 2025	All samplesYear not reported	range.
Chestnut honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Chestnut (n = 8)Year not reported	mean.
Chestnut honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Chestnut (n = 8)Year not reported	median.
Citrus honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Citrus (n = 8)Year not reported	mean.
Citrus honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Citrus (n = 8)Year not reported	median.
Erika honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Erika (n = 6)Year not reported	mean.
Erika honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Erika (n = 6)Year not reported	median.
Honeydew honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Honeydew (n = 6)Year not reported	mean.
Honeydew honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Honeydew (n = 6)Year not reported	median.
Wildflower honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Wildflower (n = 10)Year not reported	mean.
Wildflower honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Wildflower (n = 10)Year not reported	median.
Honey, multifloralPipoyan et al. 2025	Armenian multifloral honeyCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 21–46 µg/kg (range)
Honey, multifloralPipoyan et al. 2025	Armenian multifloral honeyCollection date unreported	not detected.
Honey, multifloralPipoyan et al. 2025	Armenian multifloral honeyCollection date unreported	range.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Abanat (AB)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Al-Dawn (AD)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	all 8 locations (24 samples)Year not reported	range.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Balalta (BL)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Garaboli (GR)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Massif Street (MS)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Rahamonat (RH)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Terglat (TE)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Turhuna center (TC)Year not reported	mean.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Brassica campestris)Shukla et al. 2020	H1 (Kotwa, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Brassica campestris)Shukla et al. 2020	H10 (Phaphamau, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H11 (Handia, rural)2017–2018	sample value.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H12 (Phoolpur, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H13 (Govindpur, urban)2017–2018	sample value.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H14 (Teliyarganj, urban)2017–2018	sample value.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H2 (Govindpur, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H3 (Teliyarganj, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H4 (Company garden, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Brassica campestris)Shukla et al. 2020	H5 (Phoolpur, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H6 (Naini, urban)2017–2018	sample value.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H7 (Lukarganj, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Brassica campestris)Shukla et al. 2020	H8 (Company garden, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Coriandrum sativum)Shukla et al. 2020	H9 (Kotwa, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
honey (Apis mellifera; floral type not reported)Teferi et al. 2026	AnafiloCollection date unreported	mean.
honey (Apis mellifera; floral type not reported)Teferi et al. 2026	Dambi DolloCollection date unreported	mean.
honey (Apis mellifera; floral type not reported)Teferi et al. 2026	EthiopiaCollection date unreported	range.
honey (Apis mellifera; floral type not reported)Teferi et al. 2026	Gawo KebeCollection date unreported	mean.
honey (all varieties)Tomczyk et al. 2020	All honey samples (n = 50)Collection date unreported	mean.Same samples: up to 770 µg/kg (range maximum)
honey (all varieties)Tomczyk et al. 2020	All honey samples (n = 50)Collection date unreported	range.
honey (all varieties)Tomczyk et al. 2020	All honey samplesCollection date unreported	range.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 10–400 µg/kg (range); up to 80 µg/kg (range maximum); up to 310 µg/kg (range maximum); 20–50 µg/kg (range)
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	not detected.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: up to 170 µg/kg (range maximum); up to 50 µg/kg (range maximum); up to 770 µg/kg (range maximum); up to 120 µg/kg (range maximum); 10–50 µg/kg (range)
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	all samples2025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	all samples2025	range.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	all samples2025	max.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	conventional honey sample A2025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	conventional honey sample B2025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	conventional honey sample C2025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 12025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 102025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 112025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 122025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 22025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 32025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 42025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 52025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 62025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 72025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 82025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 92025	mean.
honey (mixed floral sources; 20 wildflower-labelled)Wise et al. 2025	All US honeys (n = 28)2022–2023	mean.Same samples: 918 µg/kg (maximum)
honeyWise et al. 2025	All US honeys (n = 28)2022–2023	max.
honey (floral label per Table 1; not tied to the specific sample)Wise et al. 2025	Massachusetts2022–2023	sample value.
honey (floral label per Table 1; not tied to the specific sample)Wise et al. 2025	New Mexico2022–2023	sample value.
honey (floral label per Table 1; not tied to the specific sample)Wise et al. 2025	Tennessee2022–2023	sample value.

293 findings · 26 studies · 38 spread figures folded in
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EMRO; unknown2016–2019	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; random sampling2003–2019	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; targeted sampling2003–2007	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; unknown2003–2019	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region PAHO; random sampling1999–2018	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region WPRO; random sampling2014	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region WPRO; targeted sampling1998–2008	median.
Honey (FDA TDS food 172)FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020	United States national collectionsYear not reported	not detected.
honey (7 botanical types)Abeslami et al. 2025	All honey typesCollection date unreported	range.
carob honeyAbeslami et al. 2025	CarobCollection date unreported	mean.
citrus honeyAbeslami et al. 2025	CitrusCollection date unreported	mean.
eucalyptus honeyAbeslami et al. 2025	EucalyptusCollection date unreported	mean.
jujube honeyAbeslami et al. 2025	JujubeCollection date unreported	mean.
multifloral honeyAbeslami et al. 2025	MultifloralCollection date unreported	mean.
rosemary honeyAbeslami et al. 2025	RosemaryCollection date unreported	mean.
thyme honeyAbeslami et al. 2025	ThymeCollection date unreported	mean.
Honey solution / sugar-solution honey (عسل المحلول)Aburas et al. 2023	Honey solution / sugar-solutionCollection date unreported	sample value.
Sidr honey (عسل السدر)Aburas et al. 2023	Sidr honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
Tamarisk/athel honey (عسل الأثل)Aburas et al. 2023	Tamarisk/athel honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
Thyme honey (عسل الزعتر)Aburas et al. 2023	Thyme honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	All samples2013	mean.Same samples: 1.36–126 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	All samples2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	East2013	mean.Same samples: 11.5–126 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	East2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	North2013	mean.Same samples: 1.36–82.7 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	North2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	South2013	mean.Same samples: 7.49–19.1 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	South2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	West2013	mean.Same samples: 9.16–64.9 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	West2013	range.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported honey (IH1-IH6), Dhaka2024	mean.Same samples: 209–266 µg/kg (range)
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported honey (IH1-IH6), Dhaka2024	mean.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported honey (IH1-IH6), Dhaka2024	mean.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported honey (IH1-IH6), Dhaka2024	range.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local honey (LH1-LH6), Dhaka2024	mean.Same samples: 142–1,250 µg/kg (range)
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local honey (LH1-LH6), Dhaka2024	mean.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local honey (LH1-LH6), Dhaka2024	range.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local processed retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local processed retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local processed retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local unprocessed honey from2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local unprocessed honey from2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local unprocessed honey from2024	sample value.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Al-Baha2017mg/L as reported	not detected.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Asir2017mg/L as reported	not detected.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Jazan2017mg/L as reported	not detected.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Makkah2017mg/L as reported	not detected.
Honey, polyfloralBartha et al. 2020	six apiaries around Copsa MicaCollection date unreported	median.Same samples: 50–3,810 µg/kg (range)
Honey, polyfloralBartha et al. 2020	six apiaries around Copsa MicaCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L1 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L2 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L3 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L4 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L5 rural2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L6 rural2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L7 rural2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L8 rural2018	mean.
Acacia honey with almondsGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honey with almonds2004–2005	not detected.
Acacia honey with peanutsGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honey with peanuts2004–2005	not detected.
Acacia honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Apple honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Apple honey2004–2005	not detected.
Buckwheat honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Buckwheat honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Chestnut honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Chestnut honey2004–2005	not detected.
Dandelion honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Dandelion honey2004–2005	not detected.
Eucalyptus honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Eucalyptus honey2004–2005	not detected.
Heather honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Heather honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Honeydew honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Honeydew honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Lime honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Lime honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Multifloral honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Multifloral honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Orange honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Orange honey2004–2005	not detected.
Rape honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Rape honeys2004–2005	not detected.
chestnut honey (raw)Gunes 2021	Yalova chestnut honey2014	mean.Same samples: 0.076 µg/kg (minimum); 1.2 µg/kg (maximum)
chestnut honey (raw)Gunes 2021	Yalova chestnut honey2014	min.
chestnut honey (raw)Gunes 2021	Yalova chestnut honey2014	max.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	AbnubCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	AbnubCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	AbnubCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	AbnubCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	AbutigCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	AbutigCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	AbutigCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	AbutigCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-BadaryCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-BadaryCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-BadaryCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-BadaryCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, citrusHassan et al. 2010	Al-BadaryCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, citrusHassan et al. 2010	Al-BadaryCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-FatehCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-FatehCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-FatehCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-FatehCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-GhanayemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-GhanayemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-GhanayemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-GhanayemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-QusiyaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Al-QusiyaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-QusiyaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Al-QusiyaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	AssiutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	AssiutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	AssiutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	AssiutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	DairutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	DairutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	DairutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	DairutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	ManfalutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	ManfalutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	ManfalutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	ManfalutCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	MangapadCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	MangapadCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	MangapadCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	MangapadCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Sahil SalemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	Sahil SalemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Sahil SalemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	Sahil SalemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, citrusHassan et al. 2010	Sahil SalemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, citrusHassan et al. 2010	Sahil SalemCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	SedfaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, cloverHassan et al. 2010	SedfaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	SedfaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, multi-flowerHassan et al. 2010	SedfaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	mean.Same samples: 2.5–53 µg/kg (range)
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	median.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	range.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	blend honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	peri-urban honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	rural honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	urban honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey, acaciaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Acacia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 2.96–21.7 µg/kg (range)
Honey, acaciaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Acacia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, acaciaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Acacia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Algeria, all honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 1.12–39.5 µg/kg (range)
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Algeria, all honeysCollection date unreported	median.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Algeria, all honeysCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	all honeys (Algeria and Poland)Collection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 1.12–155 µg/kg (range)
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	all honeys (Algeria and Poland)Collection date unreported	median.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	all honeys (Algeria and Poland)Collection date unreported	range.
Honey, buckwheatKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Buckwheat honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 3.03–8.62 µg/kg (range)
Honey, buckwheatKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Buckwheat honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, buckwheatKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Buckwheat honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, eucalyptusKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Eucalyptus honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 1.76–24.8 µg/kg (range)
Honey, eucalyptusKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Eucalyptus honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, eucalyptusKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Eucalyptus honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, honeydew broadleafKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew broadleaf honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 5.54–37.9 µg/kg (range)
Honey, honeydew broadleafKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew broadleaf honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, honeydew broadleafKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew broadleaf honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, honeydew coniferKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew conifer honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 5.59–31.5 µg/kg (range)
Honey, honeydew coniferKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew conifer honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, honeydew coniferKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew conifer honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, jujubeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Jujube honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, limeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Lime honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 2.77–5.4 µg/kg (range)
Honey, limeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Lime honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, limeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Lime honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, multifloral darkKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral dark honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 3.22–8.97 µg/kg (range)
Honey, multifloral darkKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral dark honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, multifloral darkKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral dark honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, multifloral lightKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral light honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 3.21–155 µg/kg (range)
Honey, multifloral lightKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral light honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, multifloral lightKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral light honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, orange treeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Orange tree honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 25.7–39.5 µg/kg (range)
Honey, orange treeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Orange tree honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, orange treeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Orange tree honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, parsleyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Parsley honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, phaceliaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Phacelia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 2.62–5.57 µg/kg (range)
Honey, phaceliaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Phacelia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, phaceliaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Phacelia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Poland, all honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 2.62–155 µg/kg (range)
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Poland, all honeysCollection date unreported	median.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Poland, all honeysCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, rapeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rape honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 2.71–3.64 µg/kg (range)
Honey, rapeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rape honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, rapeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rape honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, rosemaryKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rosemary honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, spanish thistleKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Spanish thistle honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, spurgeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Spurge honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 5.85–6.63 µg/kg (range)
Honey, spurgeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Spurge honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, spurgeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Spurge honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, thymeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Thyme honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, watercressKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Watercress honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, wild carrotKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Wild carrot honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	detected honeysCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, unifloral and multifloralKılıç et al. 2017	all honeys2015–2016	not detected.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	all 15 honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 10–380 µg/kg (range)
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	all 15 honeysCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 1Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 2Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 3Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 4Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 5Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 6Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLigor et al. 2022	all honeysCollection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 1Collection date unreported	sample value.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 2 (beekeeper from Skopje)Collection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 3 (beekeeper from Preshevo)Collection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 4Collection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 5Collection date unreported	not detected.
honey (all five floral varieties)Naccari et al. 2025	All samplesYear not reported	range.
Chestnut honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Chestnut (n = 8)Year not reported	mean.
Chestnut honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Chestnut (n = 8)Year not reported	median.
Citrus honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Citrus (n = 8)Year not reported	mean.
Citrus honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Citrus (n = 8)Year not reported	median.
Erika honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Erika (n = 6)Year not reported	mean.
Erika honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Erika (n = 6)Year not reported	median.
Honeydew honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Honeydew (n = 6)Year not reported	mean.
Honeydew honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Honeydew (n = 6)Year not reported	median.
Wildflower honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Wildflower (n = 10)Year not reported	mean.
Wildflower honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Wildflower (n = 10)Year not reported	median.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Abanat (AB)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Al-Dawn (AD)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	all 8 locations (24 samples)Year not reported	range.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Balalta (BL)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Garaboli (GR)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Massif Street (MS)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Rahamonat (RH)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Terglat (TE)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Turhuna center (TC)Year not reported	mean.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Brassica campestris)Shukla et al. 2020	H1 (Kotwa, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Brassica campestris)Shukla et al. 2020	H10 (Phaphamau, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H11 (Handia, rural)2017–2018	sample value.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H12 (Phoolpur, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H13 (Govindpur, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H14 (Teliyarganj, urban)2017–2018	sample value.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H2 (Govindpur, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H3 (Teliyarganj, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H4 (Company garden, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Brassica campestris)Shukla et al. 2020	H5 (Phoolpur, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H6 (Naini, urban)2017–2018	sample value.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H7 (Lukarganj, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Brassica campestris)Shukla et al. 2020	H8 (Company garden, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Coriandrum sativum)Shukla et al. 2020	H9 (Kotwa, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
honey (Apis mellifera; floral type not reported)Teferi et al. 2026	AnafiloCollection date unreported	mean.
honey (Apis mellifera; floral type not reported)Teferi et al. 2026	Dambi DolloCollection date unreported	mean.
honey (Apis mellifera; floral type not reported)Teferi et al. 2026	EthiopiaCollection date unreported	range.
honey (Apis mellifera; floral type not reported)Teferi et al. 2026	Gawo KebeCollection date unreported	mean.
honey (all varieties)Tomczyk et al. 2020	All honey samples (n = 50)Collection date unreported	mean.Same samples: up to 70 µg/kg (range maximum)
honey (all varieties)Tomczyk et al. 2020	All honey samples (n = 50)Collection date unreported	range.
honey (all varieties)Tomczyk et al. 2020	All honey samplesCollection date unreported	range.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 20–50 µg/kg (range); 10–30 µg/kg (range); 20–40 µg/kg (range); 20–20 µg/kg (range); 20–70 µg/kg (range)
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 10–50 µg/kg (range); 10–40 µg/kg (range); 20–50 µg/kg (range); 10–30 µg/kg (range); 20–20 µg/kg (range)
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	all samples2025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	all samples2025	range.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	all samples2025	max.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	conventional honey sample A2025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	conventional honey sample B2025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	conventional honey sample C2025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 12025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 102025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 112025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 122025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 22025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 32025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 42025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 52025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 62025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 72025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 82025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 92025	mean.
honey (mixed floral sources; 20 wildflower-labelled)Wise et al. 2025	All US honeys (n = 28)2022–2023	mean.
honey (floral label per Table 1; not tied to the specific sample)Wise et al. 2025	Massachusetts2022–2023	sample value.
honey (floral label per Table 1; not tied to the specific sample)Wise et al. 2025	Tennessee2022–2023	sample value.
honey (floral label per Table 1; not tied to the specific sample)Wise et al. 2025	Vermont2022–2023	sample value.

121 findings · 14 studies · 17 spread figures folded in
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; random sampling2007–2023	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; targeted sampling2015–2023	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; unknown2005–2022	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region European Union; random2003–2014	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region European Union; unknown2002–2012	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region WPRO; random sampling2009–2014	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region WPRO; targeted sampling1998–2008	median.
Honey (FDA TDS food 172)FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020	United States national collectionsYear not reported	not detected.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	All samples2013	below LOD.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	East2013	below LOD.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	North2013	below LOD.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	South2013	below LOD.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	West2013	below LOD.
chestnut honey (raw)Gunes 2021	Yalova chestnut honey2014	mean.Same samples: 0.032 µg/kg (minimum); 0.95 µg/kg (maximum)
chestnut honey (raw)Gunes 2021	Yalova chestnut honey2014	min.
chestnut honey (raw)Gunes 2021	Yalova chestnut honey2014	max.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	mean.Same samples: 2.5–9 µg/kg (range)
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	median.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	range.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	blend honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	peri-urban honeys2016–2018	not detected.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	rural honeys2016–2018	not detected.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	urban honeys2016–2018	not detected.
Honey, acaciaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Acacia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.019–3.32 µg/kg (range)
Honey, acaciaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Acacia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, acaciaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Acacia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Algeria, all honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 11–21.5 µg/kg (range)
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Algeria, all honeysCollection date unreported	median.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Algeria, all honeysCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	all honeys (Algeria and Poland)Collection date unreported	mean.Same samples: up to 115 µg/kg (range maximum)
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	all honeys (Algeria and Poland)Collection date unreported	median.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	all honeys (Algeria and Poland)Collection date unreported	range.
Honey, buckwheatKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Buckwheat honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 2.88–115 µg/kg (range)
Honey, buckwheatKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Buckwheat honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, buckwheatKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Buckwheat honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, eucalyptusKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Eucalyptus honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, honeydew broadleafKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew broadleaf honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 1.38–2.81 µg/kg (range)
Honey, honeydew broadleafKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew broadleaf honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, honeydew broadleafKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew broadleaf honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, honeydew coniferKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew conifer honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 2.65–2.82 µg/kg (range)
Honey, honeydew coniferKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew conifer honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, honeydew coniferKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew conifer honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, jujubeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Jujube honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, limeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Lime honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.661–2.7 µg/kg (range)
Honey, limeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Lime honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, limeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Lime honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, multifloral darkKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral dark honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 1.36–2.99 µg/kg (range)
Honey, multifloral darkKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral dark honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, multifloral darkKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral dark honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, multifloral lightKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral light honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.019–1.4 µg/kg (range)
Honey, multifloral lightKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral light honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, multifloral lightKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral light honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, orange treeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Orange tree honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, parsleyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Parsley honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	not detected.
Honey, phaceliaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Phacelia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.019–0.696 µg/kg (range)
Honey, phaceliaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Phacelia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, phaceliaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Phacelia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Poland, all honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.019–115 µg/kg (range)
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Poland, all honeysCollection date unreported	median.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Poland, all honeysCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, rapeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rape honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.019–2.72 µg/kg (range)
Honey, rapeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rape honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, rapeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rape honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, rosemaryKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rosemary honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	not detected.
Honey, spanish thistleKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Spanish thistle honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	not detected.
Honey, spurgeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Spurge honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, thymeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Thyme honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	not detected.
Honey, watercressKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Watercress honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	not detected.
Honey, wild carrotKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Wild carrot honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyLigor et al. 2022	all honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: up to 0.49 µg/kg (range maximum)
HoneyLigor et al. 2022	all honeysCollection date unreported	median.
HoneyLigor et al. 2022	all honeysCollection date unreported	range.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 1Collection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 2 (beekeeper from Skopje)Collection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 3 (beekeeper from Preshevo)Collection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 4Collection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 5Collection date unreported	not detected.
honey (all five floral varieties)Naccari et al. 2025	All samplesYear not reported	range.
Chestnut honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Chestnut (n = 8)Year not reported	mean.
Chestnut honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Chestnut (n = 8)Year not reported	median.
Citrus honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Citrus (n = 8)Year not reported	mean.
Citrus honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Citrus (n = 8)Year not reported	median.
Erika honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Erika (n = 6)Year not reported	mean.
Erika honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Erika (n = 6)Year not reported	median.
Honeydew honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Honeydew (n = 6)Year not reported	mean.
Honeydew honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Honeydew (n = 6)Year not reported	median.
Wildflower honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Wildflower (n = 10)Year not reported	mean.
Wildflower honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Wildflower (n = 10)Year not reported	median.
Honey, multifloralPipoyan et al. 2025	Armenian multifloral honeyCollection date unreported	not detected.
Honey, multifloralPipoyan et al. 2025	one Armenian multifloral honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Abanat (AB)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Al-Dawn (AD)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	all 8 locations (24 samples)Year not reported	range.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Balalta (BL)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Garaboli (GR)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Massif Street (MS)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Rahamonat (RH)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Terglat (TE)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Turhuna center (TC)Year not reported	mean.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honeyShukla et al. 2020	all 14 samples2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Brassica campestris)Shukla et al. 2020	H1 (Kotwa, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Brassica campestris)Shukla et al. 2020	H10 (Phaphamau, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H11 (Handia, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H12 (Phoolpur, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H13 (Govindpur, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H14 (Teliyarganj, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H2 (Govindpur, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H3 (Teliyarganj, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H4 (Company garden, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Brassica campestris)Shukla et al. 2020	H5 (Phoolpur, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H6 (Naini, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, multifloralShukla et al. 2020	H7 (Lukarganj, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Brassica campestris)Shukla et al. 2020	H8 (Company garden, urban)2017–2018	below LOD.
Apis dorsata squeezed winter honey, unifloral (Coriandrum sativum)Shukla et al. 2020	H9 (Kotwa, rural)2017–2018	below LOD.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	all samples2025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	all samples2025	range.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	all samples2025	max.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	conventional honey sample A2025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	conventional honey sample B2025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	conventional honey sample C2025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 12025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 102025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 112025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 122025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 22025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 32025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 42025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 52025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 62025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 72025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 82025	mean.
HoneyWilczyńska et al. 2026	organic honey sample 92025	mean.
honey (mixed floral sources; 20 wildflower-labelled)Wise et al. 2025	All US honeys (n = 28)2022–2023	mean.Same samples: 67 µg/kg (maximum)
honeyWise et al. 2025	All US honeys (n = 28)2022–2023	max.
honey (floral label per Table 1; not tied to the specific sample)Wise et al. 2025	Arkansas2022–2023	sample value.
honey (floral label per Table 1; not tied to the specific sample)Wise et al. 2025	Indiana2022–2023	sample value.
honey (floral label per Table 1; not tied to the specific sample)Wise et al. 2025	Oregon2022–2023	sample value.

2 findings · 1 study
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; random sampling2016	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; unknown2022	median.

2 findings · 1 study
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; random sampling2016	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; unknown2022	median.

64 findings · 8 studies · 18 spread figures folded in
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; random sampling2004–2020	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; unknown2012–2018	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region WPRO; random sampling2014	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region WPRO; targeted sampling1998–2008	median.
Honey (FDA TDS food 172)FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020	United States national collectionsYear not reported	not detected.
chestnut honey (raw)Gunes 2021	Yalova chestnut honey2014	mean.Same samples: 0.24 µg/kg (minimum); 44.5 µg/kg (maximum)
chestnut honey (raw)Gunes 2021	Yalova chestnut honey2014	min.
chestnut honey (raw)Gunes 2021	Yalova chestnut honey2014	max.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	mean.Same samples: 2.5–7.9 µg/kg (range)
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	median.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	range.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	blend honeys2016–2018	not detected.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	peri-urban honeys2016–2018	not detected.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	rural honeys2016–2018	not detected.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	urban honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey, acaciaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Acacia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.719–2.51 µg/kg (range)
Honey, acaciaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Acacia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, acaciaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Acacia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Algeria, all honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.234–4.64 µg/kg (range)
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Algeria, all honeysCollection date unreported	median.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Algeria, all honeysCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	all honeys (Algeria and Poland)Collection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.234–4.64 µg/kg (range)
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	all honeys (Algeria and Poland)Collection date unreported	median.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	all honeys (Algeria and Poland)Collection date unreported	range.
Honey, buckwheatKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Buckwheat honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.427–1.09 µg/kg (range)
Honey, buckwheatKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Buckwheat honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, buckwheatKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Buckwheat honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, eucalyptusKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Eucalyptus honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.649–1.89 µg/kg (range)
Honey, eucalyptusKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Eucalyptus honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, eucalyptusKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Eucalyptus honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, honeydew broadleafKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew broadleaf honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.95–3.14 µg/kg (range)
Honey, honeydew broadleafKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew broadleaf honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, honeydew broadleafKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew broadleaf honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, honeydew coniferKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew conifer honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.744–2.79 µg/kg (range)
Honey, honeydew coniferKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew conifer honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, honeydew coniferKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Honeydew conifer honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, jujubeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Jujube honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, limeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Lime honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.64–1.75 µg/kg (range)
Honey, limeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Lime honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, limeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Lime honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, multifloral darkKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral dark honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 1.09–2.84 µg/kg (range)
Honey, multifloral darkKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral dark honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, multifloral darkKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral dark honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, multifloral lightKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral light honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 1.41–4.07 µg/kg (range)
Honey, multifloral lightKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral light honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, multifloral lightKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Multifloral light honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, orange treeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Orange tree honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.989–4.64 µg/kg (range)
Honey, orange treeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Orange tree honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, orange treeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Orange tree honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, parsleyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Parsley honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, phaceliaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Phacelia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.566–1.85 µg/kg (range)
Honey, phaceliaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Phacelia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, phaceliaKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Phacelia honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Poland, all honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.427–4.07 µg/kg (range)
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Poland, all honeysCollection date unreported	median.
HoneyKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Poland, all honeysCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, rapeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rape honey, PolandCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.488–1.7 µg/kg (range)
Honey, rapeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rape honey, PolandCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, rapeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rape honey, PolandCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, rosemaryKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Rosemary honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, spanish thistleKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Spanish thistle honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, spurgeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Spurge honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.234–1.2 µg/kg (range)
Honey, spurgeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Spurge honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	median.
Honey, spurgeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Spurge honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	range.
Honey, thymeKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Thyme honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, watercressKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Watercress honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
Honey, wild carrotKazi-Tani et al. 2026	Wild carrot honey, AlgeriaCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyMaragou et al. 2016	all honey samples2013–2014	not detected.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Abanat (AB)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Al-Dawn (AD)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	all 8 locations (24 samples)Year not reported	range.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Balalta (BL)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Garaboli (GR)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Massif Street (MS)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Rahamonat (RH)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Terglat (TE)Year not reported	mean.
bee honey (floral source not stated)Salama et al. 2019	Turhuna center (TC)Year not reported	mean.
honey (mixed floral sources; 20 wildflower-labelled)Wise et al. 2025	All US honeys (n = 28)2022–2023	mean.
honeyWise et al. 2025	All US honeys (n = 28)2022–2023	max.
honey (floral label per Table 1; not tied to the specific sample)Wise et al. 2025	Massachusetts2022–2023	sample value.
honey (floral label per Table 1; not tied to the specific sample)Wise et al. 2025	New Mexico2022–2023	sample value.
honey (floral label per Table 1; not tied to the specific sample)Wise et al. 2025	Tennessee2022–2023	sample value.

87 findings · 13 studies · 32 spread figures folded in
Honey (FDA TDS food 172)FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020	United States national collectionsYear not reported	not detected.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	All samples2013	mean.Same samples: 65–1,090 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	All samples2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	East2013	mean.Same samples: 623–806 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	East2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	North2013	mean.Same samples: 65–1,090 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	North2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	South2013	mean.Same samples: 585–678 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	South2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	West2013	mean.Same samples: 451–879 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	West2013	range.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Al-Baha2017mg/L as reported	mean.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Asir2017mg/L as reported	not detected.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Jazan2017mg/L as reported	not detected.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Makkah2017mg/L as reported	not detected.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L1 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L2 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L3 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L4 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L5 rural2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L6 rural2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L7 rural2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L8 rural2018	mean.
Acacia honey with almondsGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honey with almonds2004–2005	mean.Same samples: 900–900 µg/kg (range)
Acacia honey with almondsGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honey with almonds2004–2005	range.
Acacia honey with peanutsGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honey with peanuts2004–2005	mean.Same samples: 1,100–1,200 µg/kg (range)
Acacia honey with peanutsGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honey with peanuts2004–2005	range.
Acacia honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honeys2004–2005	mean.Same samples: up to 300 µg/kg (range maximum)
Acacia honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honeys2004–2005	range.
Apple honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Apple honey2004–2005	mean.Same samples: 300–300 µg/kg (range)
Apple honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Apple honey2004–2005	range.
Buckwheat honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Buckwheat honeys2004–2005	mean.Same samples: up to 600 µg/kg (range maximum)
Buckwheat honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Buckwheat honeys2004–2005	range.
Chestnut honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Chestnut honey2004–2005	not detected.
Dandelion honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Dandelion honey2004–2005	mean.Same samples: 300–300 µg/kg (range)
Dandelion honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Dandelion honey2004–2005	range.
Eucalyptus honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Eucalyptus honey2004–2005	mean.Same samples: 300–400 µg/kg (range)
Eucalyptus honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Eucalyptus honey2004–2005	range.
Heather honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Heather honeys2004–2005	mean.Same samples: 400–1,000 µg/kg (range)
Heather honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Heather honeys2004–2005	range.
Honeydew honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Honeydew honeys2004–2005	mean.Same samples: 100–900 µg/kg (range)
Honeydew honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Honeydew honeys2004–2005	range.
Lime honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Lime honeys2004–2005	mean.Same samples: up to 800 µg/kg (range maximum)
Lime honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Lime honeys2004–2005	range.
Multifloral honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Multifloral honeys2004–2005	mean.Same samples: 100–800 µg/kg (range)
Multifloral honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Multifloral honeys2004–2005	range.
Orange honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Orange honey2004–2005	mean.Same samples: 300–400 µg/kg (range)
Orange honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Orange honey2004–2005	range.
Rape honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Rape honeys2004–2005	mean.Same samples: up to 400 µg/kg (range maximum)
Rape honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Rape honeys2004–2005	range.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	mean.Same samples: 5–1,400 µg/kg (range)
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	median.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	range.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	blend honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	peri-urban honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	rural honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	urban honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey, unifloral and multifloralKılıç et al. 2017	all honeys2015–2016	not detected.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	all 15 honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 60–330 µg/kg (range)
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	all 15 honeysCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 1Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 2Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 3Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 4Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 5Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 6Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLigor et al. 2022	all honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 0.22–266 µg/kg (range)
HoneyLigor et al. 2022	all honeysCollection date unreported	median.
HoneyLigor et al. 2022	all honeysCollection date unreported	range.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	all samplesCollection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 1Collection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 2 (beekeeper from Skopje)Collection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 3 (beekeeper from Preshevo)Collection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 4Collection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 5Collection date unreported	not detected.
Chestnut honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Chestnut (n = 8)Year not reported	mean.
Chestnut honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Chestnut (n = 8)Year not reported	median.
Citrus honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Citrus (n = 8)Year not reported	mean.
Citrus honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Citrus (n = 8)Year not reported	median.
Erika honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Erika (n = 6)Year not reported	mean.
Erika honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Erika (n = 6)Year not reported	median.
Honeydew honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Honeydew (n = 6)Year not reported	mean.
Honeydew honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Honeydew (n = 6)Year not reported	median.
Wildflower honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Wildflower (n = 10)Year not reported	mean.
Wildflower honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Wildflower (n = 10)Year not reported	median.
honey (Apis mellifera; floral type not reported)Teferi et al. 2026	AnafiloCollection date unreported	mean.
honey (Apis mellifera; floral type not reported)Teferi et al. 2026	Dambi DolloCollection date unreported	mean.
honey (Apis mellifera; floral type not reported)Teferi et al. 2026	EthiopiaCollection date unreported	range.
honey (Apis mellifera; floral type not reported)Teferi et al. 2026	Gawo KebeCollection date unreported	mean.
honey (all varieties)Tomczyk et al. 2020	All honey samples (n = 50)Collection date unreported	mean.Same samples: up to 2,430 µg/kg (range maximum)
honey (all varieties)Tomczyk et al. 2020	All honey samples (n = 50)Collection date unreported	range.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: up to 1,440 µg/kg (range maximum); up to 230 µg/kg (range maximum); up to 1,490 µg/kg (range maximum); 140–970 µg/kg (range); 100–240 µg/kg (range)
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: up to 1,020 µg/kg (range maximum); up to 790 µg/kg (range maximum); up to 1,520 µg/kg (range maximum); up to 1,120 µg/kg (range maximum); 50–1,660 µg/kg (range)
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.

88 findings · 12 studies · 16 spread figures folded in
Honey (FDA TDS food 172)FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020	United States national collectionsYear not reported	not detected.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	All samples2013	mean.Same samples: 172–1,220 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	All samples2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	East2013	mean.Same samples: 896–1,020 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	East2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	North2013	mean.Same samples: 172–1,220 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	North2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	South2013	mean.Same samples: 850–932 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	South2013	range.
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	West2013	mean.Same samples: 712–1,170 µg/kg (range)
multifloral honeyAghamirlou et al. 2015	West2013	range.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported honey (IH1-IH6), Dhaka2024	mean.Same samples: 380–680 µg/kg (range)
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported honey (IH1-IH6), Dhaka2024	mean.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported honey (IH1-IH6), Dhaka2024	range.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	imported retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local honey (LH1-LH6), Dhaka2024	mean.Same samples: 380–880 µg/kg (range)
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local honey (LH1-LH6), Dhaka2024	mean.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local honey (LH1-LH6), Dhaka2024	range.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local processed retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local processed retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local processed retail honey2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local unprocessed honey from2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local unprocessed honey from2024	sample value.
HoneyAkter et al. 2026	local unprocessed honey from2024	sample value.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Al-Baha2017mg/L as reported	mean.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Asir2017mg/L as reported	not detected.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Jazan2017mg/L as reported	not detected.
honey (floral type not reported)Aljedani 2017	Makkah2017mg/L as reported	not detected.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L1 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L2 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L3 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L4 urban fringe2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L5 rural2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L6 rural2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L7 rural2018	mean.
Honey, multifloralBayir et al. 2022	L8 rural2018	mean.
Acacia honey with almondsGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honey with almonds2004–2005	not detected.
Acacia honey with peanutsGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honey with peanuts2004–2005	not detected.
Acacia honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Acacia honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Apple honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Apple honey2004–2005	not detected.
Buckwheat honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Buckwheat honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Chestnut honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Chestnut honey2004–2005	mean.Same samples: 400–500 µg/kg (range)
Chestnut honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Chestnut honey2004–2005	range.
Dandelion honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Dandelion honey2004–2005	not detected.
Eucalyptus honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Eucalyptus honey2004–2005	mean.Same samples: 300–300 µg/kg (range)
Eucalyptus honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Eucalyptus honey2004–2005	range.
Heather honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Heather honeys2004–2005	mean.Same samples: up to 200 µg/kg (range maximum)
Heather honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Heather honeys2004–2005	range.
Honeydew honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Honeydew honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Lime honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Lime honeys2004–2005	mean.Same samples: up to 400 µg/kg (range maximum)
Lime honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Lime honeys2004–2005	range.
Multifloral honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Multifloral honeys2004–2005	mean.Same samples: up to 400 µg/kg (range maximum)
Multifloral honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Multifloral honeys2004–2005	range.
Orange honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Orange honey2004–2005	mean.Same samples: 300–400 µg/kg (range)
Orange honeyGrembecka et al. 2013	Orange honey2004–2005	range.
Rape honeysGrembecka et al. 2013	Rape honeys2004–2005	not detected.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	mean.Same samples: 5–60 µg/kg (range)
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	median.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	range.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	blend honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	peri-urban honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	rural honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	urban honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey, unifloral and multifloralKılıç et al. 2017	all honeys2015–2016	not detected.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	all 15 honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 10–100 µg/kg (range)
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	all 15 honeysCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 1Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 2Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 3Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 4Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 5Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	branded retail honey 6Collection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLanjwani et al. 2019	local honeyCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyLigor et al. 2022	all honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: up to 3.76 µg/kg (range maximum)
HoneyLigor et al. 2022	all honeysCollection date unreported	median.
HoneyLigor et al. 2022	all honeysCollection date unreported	range.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	all samplesCollection date unreported	range.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 1Collection date unreported	sample value.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 2 (beekeeper from Skopje)Collection date unreported	sample value.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 3 (beekeeper from Preshevo)Collection date unreported	sample value.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 4Collection date unreported	not detected.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 5Collection date unreported	not detected.
Chestnut honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Chestnut (n = 8)Year not reported	mean.
Chestnut honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Chestnut (n = 8)Year not reported	median.
Citrus honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Citrus (n = 8)Year not reported	mean.
Citrus honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Citrus (n = 8)Year not reported	median.
Erika honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Erika (n = 6)Year not reported	mean.
Erika honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Erika (n = 6)Year not reported	median.
Honeydew honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Honeydew (n = 6)Year not reported	mean.
Honeydew honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Honeydew (n = 6)Year not reported	median.
Wildflower honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Wildflower (n = 10)Year not reported	mean.
Wildflower honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Wildflower (n = 10)Year not reported	median.

36 findings · 7 studies · 13 spread figures folded in
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; random sampling2007–2008	median.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	mean.Same samples: 50–14,000 µg/kg (range)
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	median.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	range.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	blend honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	peri-urban honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	rural honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	urban honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey, unifloral and multifloralKılıç et al. 2017	all honeys2015–2016	mean.Same samples: up to 960 µg/kg (range maximum)
Honey, unifloral and multifloralKılıç et al. 2017	all honeys2015–2016	range.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	all samplesCollection date unreported	range.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 1Collection date unreported	sample value.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 2 (beekeeper from Skopje)Collection date unreported	sample value.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 3 (beekeeper from Preshevo)Collection date unreported	sample value.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 4Collection date unreported	sample value.
unprocessed honey of casual flower type (multifloral/blossom, as stated in 2.1)Limani et al. 2021	Sample 5Collection date unreported	sample value.
Chestnut honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Chestnut (n = 8)Year not reported	mean.
Chestnut honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Chestnut (n = 8)Year not reported	median.
Citrus honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Citrus (n = 8)Year not reported	mean.
Citrus honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Citrus (n = 8)Year not reported	median.
Erika honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Erika (n = 6)Year not reported	mean.
Erika honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Erika (n = 6)Year not reported	median.
Honeydew honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Honeydew (n = 6)Year not reported	mean.
Honeydew honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Honeydew (n = 6)Year not reported	median.
Wildflower honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Wildflower (n = 10)Year not reported	mean.
Wildflower honeyNaccari et al. 2025	Wildflower (n = 10)Year not reported	median.
honey (all varieties)Tomczyk et al. 2020	All honey samples (n = 50)Collection date unreported	mean.Same samples: up to 91,300 µg/kg (range maximum)
honey (all varieties)Tomczyk et al. 2020	All honey samples (n = 50)Collection date unreported	range.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: up to 46,200 µg/kg (range maximum); 970–10,100 µg/kg (range); 2,300–86,300 µg/kg (range); 470–4,650 µg/kg (range); 1,370–2,890 µg/kg (range)
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	mean.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	ECollection date unreported	range.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: up to 10,300 µg/kg (range maximum); 1,790–16,700 µg/kg (range); 360–91,300 µg/kg (range); 480–5,610 µg/kg (range); 1,190–3,010 µg/kg (range)
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	mean.
Dandelion honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Goldenrod honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Honeydew honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Rapeseed honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
Tilia honeyTomczyk et al. 2020	U - urbanized area, PodkarpackieCollection date unreported	range.
honey (mixed floral sources; 20 wildflower-labelled)Wise et al. 2025	All US honeys (n = 28)2022–2023	mean.

45 findings · 3 studies · 2 spread figures folded in
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region EURO; random sampling2007–2008	median.
Honey (GEMS/Food code 11.5)WHO GEMS/Food	WHO region WPRO; targeted sampling1998	median.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	mean.Same samples: 25–480 µg/kg (range)
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	median.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	all honeys2016–2018	range.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	blend honeys2016–2018	not detected.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	peri-urban honeys2016–2018	not detected.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	rural honeys2016–2018	mean.
Honey (Apis mellifera)Hungerford et al. 2020	urban honeys2016–2018	mean.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	all honeysCollection date unreported	mean.Same samples: 21.6–71.7 µg/kg (range)
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	all honeysCollection date unreported	range.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 North (Zahedan, Zabol)Collection date unreported	mean.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 1 NorthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	mean.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	not detected.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 2 CenterCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	mean.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.
HoneyKhatibi et al. 2026	Region 3 SouthCollection date unreported	sample value.

1 finding · 1 study
Honey (FDA TDS food 172)FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020	United States national collectionsYear not reported	not detected.

Shared dataset methods and interpretation

Source summaries retain their original statistic, material, basis and censoring. Each source drawer identifies methods and overlapping samples. No matched reference or pooled distribution is inferred.

HMI honey Pb reference · 8 sampling families

Reference and scope

HMI honey Pb reference · 8 sampling families. Honey as sold or collected, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤10	40	75
Alternative weighting	≤10	40	75

87 reference units; 8 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	45	13%
FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020	1	13%
Limani et al. 2021	5	13%
Shukla et al. 2020	14	12%
Aburas et al. 2023	3	13%
FSANZ 23rd ATDS	1	13%
Kazi-Tani et al. 2026	14	12%
Naccari et al. 2025	4	13%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians from every compatible honey sampling family in the evidence ledger: WHO GEMS/Food region-by-year medians (random sampling only), the FDA Total Diet Study composites, per-sample results printed by individual surveys, and published subgroup medians. Each family has equal total weight; subgroups have equal weight within a family. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

An international evidence-library reference, not a probability sample of the world honey market. GEMS/Food regions are reporting regions, not production origins. Many submissions are non-detects with differing limits, which widens the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:honey-pooled-Pb:371e4714b3b4

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI honey Cd reference · 7 sampling families

Reference and scope

HMI honey Cd reference · 7 sampling families. Honey as sold or collected, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤4	4–6 (bounded)	8–10 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤4	4–6 (bounded)	8–10 (bounded)

75 reference units; 7 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	37	14%
FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020	1	14%
Limani et al. 2021	1	14%
Shukla et al. 2020	14	14%
Aburas et al. 2023	3	14%
Kazi-Tani et al. 2026	14	14%
Naccari et al. 2025	5	14%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians from every compatible honey sampling family in the evidence ledger: WHO GEMS/Food region-by-year medians (random sampling only), the FDA Total Diet Study composites, per-sample results printed by individual surveys, and published subgroup medians. Each family has equal total weight; subgroups have equal weight within a family. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

An international evidence-library reference, not a probability sample of the world honey market. GEMS/Food regions are reporting regions, not production origins. Many submissions are non-detects with differing limits, which widens the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:honey-pooled-Cd:481813973723

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI honey tAs reference · 5 sampling families

Reference and scope

HMI honey tAs reference · 5 sampling families. Honey as sold or collected, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤3	≤5	2.58–10 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤3	≤5	2.58–10 (bounded)

65 reference units; 5 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	31	20%
FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020	1	20%
Shukla et al. 2020	14	20%
Kazi-Tani et al. 2026	14	20%
Naccari et al. 2025	5	20%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians from every compatible honey sampling family in the evidence ledger: WHO GEMS/Food region-by-year medians (random sampling only), the FDA Total Diet Study composites, per-sample results printed by individual surveys, and published subgroup medians. Each family has equal total weight; subgroups have equal weight within a family. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

An international evidence-library reference, not a probability sample of the world honey market. GEMS/Food regions are reporting regions, not production origins. Many submissions are non-detects with differing limits, which widens the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:honey-pooled-tAs:2209a032fd77

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI honey iAs reference · 1 sampling families

Reference and scope

HMI honey iAs reference · 1 sampling families. Honey as sold or collected, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤10	≤10	≤10
Alternative weighting	≤10	≤10	≤10

1 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians from every compatible honey sampling family in the evidence ledger: WHO GEMS/Food region-by-year medians (random sampling only), the FDA Total Diet Study composites, per-sample results printed by individual surveys, and published subgroup medians. Each family has equal total weight; subgroups have equal weight within a family. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

An international evidence-library reference, not a probability sample of the world honey market. GEMS/Food regions are reporting regions, not production origins. Many submissions are non-detects with differing limits, which widens the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:honey-pooled-iAs:fac3e386bcc3

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI honey DMA reference · 1 sampling families

Reference and scope

HMI honey DMA reference · 1 sampling families. Honey as sold or collected, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤20	≤20	≤20
Alternative weighting	≤20	≤20	≤20

1 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians from every compatible honey sampling family in the evidence ledger: WHO GEMS/Food region-by-year medians (random sampling only), the FDA Total Diet Study composites, per-sample results printed by individual surveys, and published subgroup medians. Each family has equal total weight; subgroups have equal weight within a family. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

An international evidence-library reference, not a probability sample of the world honey market. GEMS/Food regions are reporting regions, not production origins. Many submissions are non-detects with differing limits, which widens the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:honey-pooled-DMA:3b48df93eaea

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI honey tHg reference · 3 sampling families

Reference and scope

HMI honey tHg reference · 3 sampling families. Honey as sold or collected, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤1	≤1.1	0.841–2.15 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤1	≤1.1	0.841–2.15 (bounded)

33 reference units; 3 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	18	33%
FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020	1	33%
Kazi-Tani et al. 2026	14	33%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians from every compatible honey sampling family in the evidence ledger: WHO GEMS/Food region-by-year medians (random sampling only), the FDA Total Diet Study composites, per-sample results printed by individual surveys, and published subgroup medians. Each family has equal total weight; subgroups have equal weight within a family. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

An international evidence-library reference, not a probability sample of the world honey market. GEMS/Food regions are reporting regions, not production origins. Many submissions are non-detects with differing limits, which widens the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:honey-pooled-tHg:9f69b2318ccc

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI honey Ni reference · 2 sampling families

Reference and scope

HMI honey Ni reference · 2 sampling families. Honey as sold or collected, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤40	38–58 (bounded)	78
Alternative weighting	≤40	38–58 (bounded)	78

4 reference units; 2 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020	1	50%
Naccari et al. 2025	3	50%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians from every compatible honey sampling family in the evidence ledger: WHO GEMS/Food region-by-year medians (random sampling only), the FDA Total Diet Study composites, per-sample results printed by individual surveys, and published subgroup medians. Each family has equal total weight; subgroups have equal weight within a family. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

An international evidence-library reference, not a probability sample of the world honey market. GEMS/Food regions are reporting regions, not production origins. Many submissions are non-detects with differing limits, which widens the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:honey-pooled-Ni:3146a517ac34

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI honey Cr reference · 3 sampling families

Reference and scope

HMI honey Cr reference · 3 sampling families. Honey as sold or collected, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤19	14–35.5 (bounded)	33.5–50 (bounded)
Alternative weighting	≤19	14–35.5 (bounded)	33.5–50 (bounded)

8 reference units; 3 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020	1	33%
Limani et al. 2021	3	33%
Naccari et al. 2025	4	33%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians from every compatible honey sampling family in the evidence ledger: WHO GEMS/Food region-by-year medians (random sampling only), the FDA Total Diet Study composites, per-sample results printed by individual surveys, and published subgroup medians. Each family has equal total weight; subgroups have equal weight within a family. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

An international evidence-library reference, not a probability sample of the world honey market. GEMS/Food regions are reporting regions, not production origins. Many submissions are non-detects with differing limits, which widens the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:honey-pooled-Cr:c3b8d0d8b86d

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI honey Al reference · 3 sampling families

Reference and scope

HMI honey Al reference · 3 sampling families. Honey as sold or collected, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	1610	2970	4630
Alternative weighting	1610	2970	4630

12 reference units; 3 sampling families. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	2	33%
Limani et al. 2021	5	33%
Naccari et al. 2025	5	33%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians from every compatible honey sampling family in the evidence ledger: WHO GEMS/Food region-by-year medians (random sampling only), the FDA Total Diet Study composites, per-sample results printed by individual surveys, and published subgroup medians. Each family has equal total weight; subgroups have equal weight within a family. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

An international evidence-library reference, not a probability sample of the world honey market. GEMS/Food regions are reporting regions, not production origins. Many submissions are non-detects with differing limits, which widens the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:honey-pooled-Al:21088f305eb9

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI honey Sn reference · 1 sampling families

Reference and scope

HMI honey Sn reference · 1 sampling families. Honey as sold or collected, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	14.5	30.3	46.2
Alternative weighting	14.5	30.3	46.2

2 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
WHO GEMS/Food	2	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians from every compatible honey sampling family in the evidence ledger: WHO GEMS/Food region-by-year medians (random sampling only), the FDA Total Diet Study composites, per-sample results printed by individual surveys, and published subgroup medians. Each family has equal total weight; subgroups have equal weight within a family. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

An international evidence-library reference, not a probability sample of the world honey market. GEMS/Food regions are reporting regions, not production origins. Many submissions are non-detects with differing limits, which widens the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

WHO GEMS/Food

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:honey-pooled-Sn:19d969da2328

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

HMI honey U reference · 1 sampling families

Reference and scope

HMI honey U reference · 1 sampling families. Honey as sold or collected, µg/kg; no moisture conversion. Distribution of subgroup median concentration values.

Reference (µg/kg)	Q1	Median	Q3
Primary HMI reference	≤1	≤1	≤1
Alternative weighting	≤1	≤1	≤1

1 reference units; 1 sampling family. Counts describe evidence units, not independent studies or certainty.

Contributing family	Reference units	Weight
FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020	1	100%

Methods

HMI pools subgroup medians from every compatible honey sampling family in the evidence ledger: WHO GEMS/Food region-by-year medians (random sampling only), the FDA Total Diet Study composites, per-sample results printed by individual surveys, and published subgroup medians. Each family has equal total weight; subgroups have equal weight within a family. Non-detects stay as zero-to-limit intervals, so quartiles carry lower and upper bounds. Means, ranges and maxima never enter as observations.

Inverse weighted empirical CDF; midpoint at exact cumulative-weight boundaries. At least four reference units and a definitely positive Q1 to Q3 spread are required. This is a display eligibility rule, not statistical validation.

Limitations

An international evidence-library reference, not a probability sample of the world honey market. GEMS/Food regions are reporting regions, not production origins. Many submissions are non-detects with differing limits, which widens the bounds. A position is descriptive concentration, not a safety or compliance judgment.

Admitted source families

FDA TDS FY2018–FY2020

Reference version and interpretation

Frozen evidence selection: 2026-10-22. Method: hmi-pooled-reference-v2.

hmi-pooled-reference-v2:honey-pooled-U:ad09d3298362

The reference is computed by HMI from admitted evidence, not copied from a study baseline. It describes the evidence currently in this scope; it is not a worldwide or current-lot benchmark. Source, year and region filters do not change it. Different HMI scopes are not one common ranking.

How metals reach honey

Metals reach honey mainly through what bees collect: nectar and honeydew from plants rooted in local soil, and particles deposited from the air.^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}^{6Manouchehri A, Pirhadi M, Shokri S, Khaniki GJ, Shamaei S, Miranzadeh MH · 2021The Possible Effects of Heavy Metals in Honey as Toxic and Carcinogenic Substances on Human Health: A Systematic ReviewArı Dergisi / Uludag Bee JournalRead source →}^{23Margaoan R, Papa G, Nicolescu A, Cornea-Cipcigan M, Kosoglu M, Topal E, Negri I · 2024Environmental pollution effect on honey bees and their derived products: a comprehensive analysisEnvironmental Science and Pollution ResearchRead source →} The best measured chain in the ledger, from Podkarpackie in Poland, found lead falling at every step from soil (21.3 mg/kg) to plants (0.52), bees (0.13) and honey (0.05 mg/kg).^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →} Cadmium followed the same pattern, with honey at about a thirtieth of the level in bee bodies (0.02 against 0.63 mg/kg), and its movement along the chain was faster on acidic soils.^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}

Location effects are real but uneven. In north-west Iran, honey from the most industrialised district averaged 935 µg/kg lead against 205–595 µg/kg elsewhere, the only metal with a significant regional difference.^{3Aghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, Nazmara S · 2015Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryJournal of Environmental Health Science & EngineeringRead source →} In Poland, by contrast, honeys from urbanised and ecologically clean areas were comparable for cadmium, lead, aluminium and nickel.^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →} A review of bee studies also reports substantial cadmium in bees from farmland and apparently unpolluted rural areas, sometimes above industrial sites.^{24Knoll S, Cappai MG · 2024Foraging Activity of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L., 1758) and Exposure to Cadmium: a ReviewNot reportedRead source →}

Contact after harvest is a plausible second route. Honey is acidic, and reviews and survey authors warn that bare metal, soldered or galvanised containers can add lead, tin, chromium or zinc; none of the sources measured this directly in honey.^{3Aghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, Nazmara S · 2015Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryJournal of Environmental Health Science & EngineeringRead source →}^{6Manouchehri A, Pirhadi M, Shokri S, Khaniki GJ, Shamaei S, Miranzadeh MH · 2021The Possible Effects of Heavy Metals in Honey as Toxic and Carcinogenic Substances on Human Health: A Systematic ReviewArı Dergisi / Uludag Bee JournalRead source →}^{14Teferi AN, Dibabe YB, Debalke AG, Beyene TW, Feng W, Ho C · 2026Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Associated Health Risks in Honey from Kellem Wollega Zone, EthiopiaToxicsRead source →}

Which honeys and origins measured lower

For lead, the lowest results come from routinely monitored retail honey.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{7Food Standards Australia New Zealand · 201925th Australian Total Diet StudyFood Standards Australia New ZealandRead source →} FDA’s US composites were below 4 µg/kg, most European GEMS/Food results were below detection, and Australian honey averaged 24 µg/kg.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{7Food Standards Australia New Zealand · 201925th Australian Total Diet StudyFood Standards Australia New ZealandRead source →} Among apiary surveys, five Balkan samples (33–55 µg/kg), Turkish chestnut honey (21 µg/kg mean) and Polish honeys (20–90 µg/kg means by habitat and variety) were lowest, while Iranian, Moroccan and Libyan honeys were highest.^{3Aghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, Nazmara S · 2015Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryJournal of Environmental Health Science & EngineeringRead source →}^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}^{9Limani Bektashi N, Abazi D, Popovska O, Latifi A, Reka AA · 2021Characterization of honey: determination of metal and sugar contentJournal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental SciencesRead source →}^{10Abeslami A, El Farissi H, Cacciola F, El Bachiri A, Sindic M, Fauconnier ML, Bruneau E, Talhaoui A · 2025Unveiling the Mineral and Sugar Richness of Moroccan Honeys: A Study of Botanical Origins and Quality IndicatorsMoleculesRead source →}^{18Aburas NM, Amaizah NR, Hadidan ME · 2023Pollution assessment by estimation of Lead and Cadmium concentrations and some physical properties in a number of types of Libyan HoneyBani Waleed University Journal of Humanities and Applied SciencesRead source →}^{11Gunes ME · 2021Chestnut Honey as a Complementary Medicine: Determination of Antibacterial Activity, Heavy Metal Residue and Health Risk AssessmentJournal of Advances in VetBio Science and TechniquesRead source →} These are lowest observed values in different studies with different methods, not a ranking of countries.

Within single studies, comparisons are more reliable. In Calabria, chestnut honey had the lowest lead mean (79 µg/kg) and wildflower the highest (125 µg/kg), with 80% of wildflower samples above 100 µg/kg against 25% of chestnut and heather honeys.^{17Naccari C, Ferrantelli V, Cammilleri G, Barbaccia G, Riolo P, Ferrante MC, Procopio A, Palma E · 2025Study of Toxic Metals and Microelements in Honey as a Tool to Support Beekeeping Production and Consumer SafetyFoods 2025, 14, 1986Read source →} In Iran the less industrial south was lowest (205 µg/kg mean).^{3Aghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, Nazmara S · 2015Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryJournal of Environmental Health Science & EngineeringRead source →} These are tentative patterns from one region each, not a supported preference for a floral type everywhere.

Cadmium, mercury and arsenic are usually low, so their comparisons rarely change a decision.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →} The exception in the library is the same small Polish study, which reported arsenic up to 287.72 µg/kg in one organic honey in its Table 4 but a maximum of 387 µg/kg in its Table 6; both are shown as printed.^{12Wilczyńska A, Żak N, Stasiuk E · 2026Selected Toxic Elements and Pesticide Residues in Organic and Conventional Honey from Poland: A Preliminary Comparative StudyAgriculture 2026, 16, 2154Read source →} European GEMS/Food cadmium results above detection had a median of 7.5 µg/kg, and US composites were below 1 µg/kg.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →} Aluminium is the exception that moves with type: Polish honeydew honey carried far more aluminium than the blossom honeys from the same apiaries.^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}

Which honey types measured lowest in lead?

In the one study comparing floral types side by side, Calabrian chestnut honey averaged 79 µg/kg lead, below citrus (124), honeydew (109), heather (104) and wildflower (125 µg/kg).^{17Naccari C, Ferrantelli V, Cammilleri G, Barbaccia G, Riolo P, Ferrante MC, Procopio A, Palma E · 2025Study of Toxic Metals and Microelements in Honey as a Tool to Support Beekeeping Production and Consumer SafetyFoods 2025, 14, 1986Read source →} In Morocco, thyme honey averaged 90 µg/kg and multifloral 190 µg/kg.^{10Abeslami A, El Farissi H, Cacciola F, El Bachiri A, Sindic M, Fauconnier ML, Bruneau E, Talhaoui A · 2025Unveiling the Mineral and Sugar Richness of Moroccan Honeys: A Study of Botanical Origins and Quality IndicatorsMoleculesRead source →} Each pattern comes from one region and a handful of samples per type.

Is urban honey higher in metals than rural honey?

Not consistently. In Poland, honeys from urbanised and ecologically clean areas were comparable for all four measured metals.^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →} In north-west Iran, the most industrialised district had the highest lead, and in Prayagraj, India, lead was detected in only four of fourteen hives, in both urban and rural sites.^{3Aghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, Nazmara S · 2015Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryJournal of Environmental Health Science & EngineeringRead source →}^{22Shukla V, Kumar A · 2020Melissopalynological and physicochemical analysis of honey samples from Prayagraj District, Uttar PradeshActa PalaeobotanicaRead source →}

Processing, storage and packaging

No source in the ledger measured a processing step, filtration or storage time against a control for metals in honey. The processing evidence is guidance: avoid soldered, uncoated or galvanised metal containers for acidic honey, and be aware that aluminium equipment may add aluminium.^{3Aghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, Nazmara S · 2015Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryJournal of Environmental Health Science & EngineeringRead source →}^{6Manouchehri A, Pirhadi M, Shokri S, Khaniki GJ, Shamaei S, Miranzadeh MH · 2021The Possible Effects of Heavy Metals in Honey as Toxic and Carcinogenic Substances on Human Health: A Systematic ReviewArı Dergisi / Uludag Bee JournalRead source →}^{17Naccari C, Ferrantelli V, Cammilleri G, Barbaccia G, Riolo P, Ferrante MC, Procopio A, Palma E · 2025Study of Toxic Metals and Microelements in Honey as a Tool to Support Beekeeping Production and Consumer SafetyFoods 2025, 14, 1986Read source →} One review notes comb (waxed) honey carrying more lead than other samples and attributes it to metal storage and wax; that is an observation from cited studies, not a tested effect.^{6Manouchehri A, Pirhadi M, Shokri S, Khaniki GJ, Shamaei S, Miranzadeh MH · 2021The Possible Effects of Heavy Metals in Honey as Toxic and Carcinogenic Substances on Human Health: A Systematic ReviewArı Dergisi / Uludag Bee JournalRead source →}

Mitigation from apiary to jar

Controls for honey act at the apiary, at extraction and storage, and at the release test. The only measured comparisons are observational: siting away from industrial districts coincided with lower lead in Iran, while urban and clean habitats did not differ in Poland.^{3Aghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, Nazmara S · 2015Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryJournal of Environmental Health Science & EngineeringRead source →}^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →} Container and equipment controls are guidance without measured effects, and testing detects lead without removing it.^{3Aghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, Nazmara S · 2015Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryJournal of Environmental Health Science & EngineeringRead source →}^{6Manouchehri A, Pirhadi M, Shokri S, Khaniki GJ, Shamaei S, Miranzadeh MH · 2021The Possible Effects of Heavy Metals in Honey as Toxic and Carcinogenic Substances on Human Health: A Systematic ReviewArı Dergisi / Uludag Bee JournalRead source →}^{16Karagozlu M, Asir S, Abu Shama N, Gokturk I, Yilmaz F, Turkmen D, Denizli A, Ozgoren M · 2024Development of Molecularly Imprinted Magnetic Amino Acid-Based Nanoparticles for Voltammetric Analysis of Lead Ions in HoneyPolymers 2024, 16, 1782Read source →}

About this table

ControlMaterialEffectsEvidence

Control

Material

Effects

Evidence

Site apiaries away from industrial districtsapiary siting · As reported

Honey

Pb · Decreased

Cd · Context

1

Aghamirlou et al. 2015

HMI source record · Original source

One dataset family. Linked analytes, repeated seasons and reports are not independent studies.

Effects and comparators

LeadDecreasedLower lead away from industry (observational)Regional mean honey leadEast (industrial) versus SouthHoney as collectedHigh · HMI calculates the relative change from the retained source means: (205.4 − 935.48) / 935.48 × 100 = -78.0%. This is a descriptive contrast of means; no confidence interval or significance test is inferred.

CadmiumNo significant regional differenceRegional mean honey cadmiumEast versus other regionsHoney as collectedContext · No supported numerical treatment contrast is retained for this finding. A direction, market association, source-selection strategy or guidance statement alone does not establish a percentage change.

Industrial East region versus North, South and West regions of the same province, 2013.

How magnitude is classified

HMI editorial magnitude bands: Low is a change greater than 0% and below 25%; Moderate is 25% to below 50%; High is 50% or more, relative to that control’s own comparator. Direction is shown separately. These are descriptive display bands, not validated efficacy cutoffs, occurrence-baseline positions, statistical significance, evidence certainty, safety or net benefit. A range spanning bands retains both labels; a qualitative label has no implied percentage.

Control in context

Honey from the most industrialised district averaged 935 µg/kg lead against 205–595 µg/kg in the other three regions; the regional difference was significant for lead only.

Context	Selected control
Material	Honey from 25 apiaries, Ardabil province, Iran
Stage	apiary siting
Audience	Ingredient suppliers · Brands
Period	As reported
Conditions	One province; regions differ in more than industry.
Tested scale	Field survey
Sample units	Source sampling units; no independent intervention units unless stated.
Trade-offs	Forage availability, other metals and cost not quantified.
Verification	Confirm with lot-specific lead results using an adequate quantification limit.

Design, applicability and operating conditions

Observational survey. One province; regions differ in more than industry.

One study family.

As reported by the source

Reduces metal reaching nectar, honeydew or honey, or detects it before release.

Source measurements and linked outcomes

Analyte	Period	Effect	Converted values	Original means (SD)	Basis	Locator
Lead (Pb)	As reported	Lower lead away from industry (observational)	935.48 → 205.4 µg/kg	Absolute values unextracted	Honey as collected	Table 3, p. 5; ANOVA P = 0.002
Cadmium (Cd)	As reported	No significant regional difference	53.64 → null µg/kg	Absolute values unextracted	Honey as collected	Table 3, p. 5; P = 0.107

Observational association; no siting intervention was tested.

No percentage calculated unless shown in outcomes.

Not applicable.

Trade-offs and implementation

Not assessed.

Not quantified.

Not assessed.

Applicability and verification

One province; regions differ in more than industry.

Lot testing.

See source.

Extraction limits and next actions

Unresolved field	Next action
controlled intervention effect	No controlled honey intervention study in the library; keep effect unquantified unless measured.

Provenance and assessment

As disclosed by the source.

Source facts and HMI calculations are distinguished above. These selected source findings do not constitute a systematic review; outcome-level appraisal remains incomplete.

Do not rely on a “clean area” label aloneapiary siting · As reported

Honey

Pb · Context

Cd · Context

1

Tomczyk et al. 2020

HMI source record · Original source

One dataset family. Linked analytes, repeated seasons and reports are not independent studies.

Effects and comparators

LeadNo significant differenceHoney lead by habitatUrbanised versus clean areaHoney as collectedContext · No supported numerical treatment contrast is retained for this finding. A direction, market association, source-selection strategy or guidance statement alone does not establish a percentage change.

CadmiumNo significant differenceHoney cadmium by habitatUrbanised versus clean areaHoney as collectedContext · No supported numerical treatment contrast is retained for this finding. A direction, market association, source-selection strategy or guidance statement alone does not establish a percentage change.

Same varieties from five urbanised versus five ecologically clean apiaries.

How magnitude is classified

HMI editorial magnitude bands: Low is a change greater than 0% and below 25%; Moderate is 25% to below 50%; High is 50% or more, relative to that control’s own comparator. Direction is shown separately. These are descriptive display bands, not validated efficacy cutoffs, occurrence-baseline positions, statistical significance, evidence certainty, safety or net benefit. A range spanning bands retains both labels; a qualitative label has no implied percentage.

Control in context

Honeys from urbanised and ecologically clean areas were comparable for cadmium, lead, aluminium and nickel (no significant habitat effect).

Context	Selected control
Material	Five honey varieties from 10 apiaries, Podkarpackie, Poland
Stage	apiary siting
Audience	Ingredient suppliers · Brands
Period	As reported
Conditions	One region; habitat classification by the authors.
Tested scale	Field survey
Sample units	Source sampling units; no independent intervention units unless stated.
Trade-offs	Forage availability, other metals and cost not quantified.
Verification	Confirm with lot-specific lead results using an adequate quantification limit.

Design, applicability and operating conditions

Measured habitat comparison. One region; habitat classification by the authors.

One study family.

As reported by the source

Reduces metal reaching nectar, honeydew or honey, or detects it before release.

Source measurements and linked outcomes

Analyte	Period	Effect	Converted values	Original means (SD)	Basis	Locator
Lead (Pb)	As reported	No significant difference	Numerical baseline not extracted	Absolute values unextracted	Honey as collected	Abstract; Table 2
Cadmium (Cd)	As reported	No significant difference	Numerical baseline not extracted	Absolute values unextracted	Honey as collected	Abstract; Table 2

Null result in one region; does not show siting is irrelevant elsewhere.

No percentage calculated unless shown in outcomes.

Not applicable.

Trade-offs and implementation

Not assessed.

Not quantified.

Not assessed.

Applicability and verification

One region; habitat classification by the authors.

Lot testing.

See source.

Extraction limits and next actions

Unresolved field	Next action
controlled intervention effect	No controlled honey intervention study in the library; keep effect unquantified unless measured.

Provenance and assessment

As disclosed by the source.

Source facts and HMI calculations are distinguished above. These selected source findings do not constitute a systematic review; outcome-level appraisal remains incomplete.

Check forage soils for acidity and cadmiumapiary siting · As reported

Honey

Cd · Context

1

Tomczyk et al. 2020

HMI source record · Original source

One dataset family. Linked analytes, repeated seasons and reports are not independent studies.

Effects and comparators

CadmiumFaster transfer on acidic soilsCadmium transfer along the chainLower versus higher soil pHHoney as collectedContext · No supported numerical treatment contrast is retained for this finding. A direction, market association, source-selection strategy or guidance statement alone does not establish a percentage change.

Soil pH and plant bioaccumulation factors across sampling sites.

How magnitude is classified

HMI editorial magnitude bands: Low is a change greater than 0% and below 25%; Moderate is 25% to below 50%; High is 50% or more, relative to that control’s own comparator. Direction is shown separately. These are descriptive display bands, not validated efficacy cutoffs, occurrence-baseline positions, statistical significance, evidence certainty, safety or net benefit. A range spanning bands retains both labels; a qualitative label has no implied percentage.

Control in context

Cadmium moved along the soil–plant–bee–honey chain faster on acidic soils, and goldenrod and dandelion accumulated cadmium; honey cadmium stayed about a thirtieth of bee-body levels.

Context	Selected control
Material	Soil, forage plants, bees and honey, Podkarpackie
Stage	apiary siting
Audience	Ingredient suppliers · Brands
Period	As reported
Conditions	One region; correlations not tabulated.
Tested scale	Field survey
Sample units	Source sampling units; no independent intervention units unless stated.
Trade-offs	Forage availability, other metals and cost not quantified.
Verification	Confirm with lot-specific lead results using an adequate quantification limit.

Design, applicability and operating conditions

Measured habitat comparison. One region; correlations not tabulated.

One study family.

As reported by the source

Reduces metal reaching nectar, honeydew or honey, or detects it before release.

Source measurements and linked outcomes

Analyte	Period	Effect	Converted values	Original means (SD)	Basis	Locator
Cadmium (Cd)	As reported	Faster transfer on acidic soils	Numerical baseline not extracted	Absolute values unextracted	Honey as collected	Abstract; Tables 1, 3–4

Association only; no soil treatment tested.

No percentage calculated unless shown in outcomes.

Not applicable.

Trade-offs and implementation

Not assessed.

Not quantified.

Not assessed.

Applicability and verification

One region; correlations not tabulated.

Lot testing.

See source.

Extraction limits and next actions

Unresolved field	Next action
controlled intervention effect	No controlled honey intervention study in the library; keep effect unquantified unless measured.

Provenance and assessment

As disclosed by the source.

Source facts and HMI calculations are distinguished above. These selected source findings do not constitute a systematic review; outcome-level appraisal remains incomplete.

Consider floral source when lead is the concernsourcing and procurement · As reported

Honey

Pb · Decreased

1

Naccari et al. 2025

HMI source record · Original source

One dataset family. Linked analytes, repeated seasons and reports are not independent studies.

Effects and comparators

LeadDecreasedLower lead in chestnut honey (observational)Mean honey lead by floral typeWildflower versus chestnutHoney as collectedModerate · HMI calculates the relative change from the retained source means: (79 − 125) / 125 × 100 = -36.8%. This is a descriptive contrast of means; no confidence interval or significance test is inferred.

Five floral types from apiaries in one region, one season.

How magnitude is classified

HMI editorial magnitude bands: Low is a change greater than 0% and below 25%; Moderate is 25% to below 50%; High is 50% or more, relative to that control’s own comparator. Direction is shown separately. These are descriptive display bands, not validated efficacy cutoffs, occurrence-baseline positions, statistical significance, evidence certainty, safety or net benefit. A range spanning bands retains both labels; a qualitative label has no implied percentage.

Control in context

80% of wildflower samples exceeded 100 µg/kg lead against 25% of chestnut and heather honeys; chestnut had the lowest lead mean.

Context	Selected control
Material	38 honeys of five types, Calabria, Italy
Stage	sourcing and procurement
Audience	Ingredient suppliers · Brands
Period	As reported
Conditions	One region; small groups (6–10 samples).
Tested scale	Field survey
Sample units	Source sampling units; no independent intervention units unless stated.
Trade-offs	Forage availability, other metals and cost not quantified.
Verification	Confirm with lot-specific lead results using an adequate quantification limit.

Design, applicability and operating conditions

Observational survey. One region; small groups (6–10 samples).

One study family.

As reported by the source

Reduces metal reaching nectar, honeydew or honey, or detects it before release.

Source measurements and linked outcomes

Analyte	Period	Effect	Converted values	Original means (SD)	Basis	Locator
Lead (Pb)	As reported	Lower lead in chestnut honey (observational)	125 → 79 µg/kg	Absolute values unextracted	Honey as collected	Table 2; Figures 2–3

Descriptive; no significance test across types.

No percentage calculated unless shown in outcomes.

Not applicable.

Trade-offs and implementation

Not assessed.

Not quantified.

Not assessed.

Applicability and verification

One region; small groups (6–10 samples).

Lot testing.

See source.

Extraction limits and next actions

Unresolved field	Next action
controlled intervention effect	No controlled honey intervention study in the library; keep effect unquantified unless measured.

Provenance and assessment

As disclosed by the source.

Source facts and HMI calculations are distinguished above. These selected source findings do not constitute a systematic review; outcome-level appraisal remains incomplete.

Avoid soldered, uncoated or galvanised metal containerspackaging and storage · As reported

Honey

Pb · Context

Guidance

Manouchehri et al. 2021

HMI source record · Original source

Official guidance; not an independent experimental dataset. Reused across actions without adding studies.

Effects and comparators

LeadGuidance; effect not measuredContainer contactCoated versus uncoated metalHoney as collectedContext · No supported numerical treatment contrast is retained for this finding. A direction, market association, source-selection strategy or guidance statement alone does not establish a percentage change.

Guidance; no measured comparison.

How magnitude is classified

HMI editorial magnitude bands: Low is a change greater than 0% and below 25%; Moderate is 25% to below 50%; High is 50% or more, relative to that control’s own comparator. Direction is shown separately. These are descriptive display bands, not validated efficacy cutoffs, occurrence-baseline positions, statistical significance, evidence certainty, safety or net benefit. A range spanning bands retains both labels; a qualitative label has no implied percentage.

Control in context

Acidic honey (average pH 3.9) can corrode metal cans; coated, solder-free containers are advised to limit lead and tin.

Context	Selected control
Material	Stored honey (review)
Stage	packaging and storage
Audience	Ingredient suppliers · Brands · Consumers
Period	As reported
Conditions	Applies to metal storage of honey.
Tested scale	Review guidance
Sample units	Source sampling units; no independent intervention units unless stated.
Trade-offs	Forage availability, other metals and cost not quantified.
Verification	Confirm with lot-specific lead results using an adequate quantification limit.

Design, applicability and operating conditions

Author or review guidance. Applies to metal storage of honey.

One study family.

As reported by the source

Reduces metal reaching nectar, honeydew or honey, or detects it before release.

Source measurements and linked outcomes

Analyte	Period	Effect	Converted values	Original means (SD)	Basis	Locator
Lead (Pb)	As reported	Guidance; effect not measured	Numerical baseline not extracted	Absolute values unextracted	Honey as collected	p. 242

No measured effect size.

No percentage calculated unless shown in outcomes.

Not applicable.

Trade-offs and implementation

Not assessed.

Not quantified.

Not assessed.

Applicability and verification

Applies to metal storage of honey.

Lot testing.

See source.

Extraction limits and next actions

Unresolved field	Next action
controlled intervention effect	No controlled honey intervention study in the library; keep effect unquantified unless measured.

Provenance and assessment

As disclosed by the source.

Source facts and HMI calculations are distinguished above. These selected source findings do not constitute a systematic review; outcome-level appraisal remains incomplete.

Avoid aluminium contact surfaces in extractionextraction and storage · As reported

Honey

Al · Context

Guidance

Naccari et al. 2025

HMI source record · Original source

Official guidance; not an independent experimental dataset. Reused across actions without adding studies.

Effects and comparators

AluminiumGuidance; effect not measuredEquipment contactAluminium versus other surfacesHoney as collectedContext · No supported numerical treatment contrast is retained for this finding. A direction, market association, source-selection strategy or guidance statement alone does not establish a percentage change.

Guidance; no measured comparison.

How magnitude is classified

HMI editorial magnitude bands: Low is a change greater than 0% and below 25%; Moderate is 25% to below 50%; High is 50% or more, relative to that control’s own comparator. Direction is shown separately. These are descriptive display bands, not validated efficacy cutoffs, occurrence-baseline positions, statistical significance, evidence certainty, safety or net benefit. A range spanning bands retains both labels; a qualitative label has no implied percentage.

Control in context

The authors note that aluminium equipment used before marketing can raise aluminium in honey; not measured in their samples.

Context	Selected control
Material	Honey processing (cited literature)
Stage	extraction and storage
Audience	Ingredient suppliers · Brands
Period	As reported
Conditions	Applies to processing equipment.
Tested scale	Author guidance
Sample units	Source sampling units; no independent intervention units unless stated.
Trade-offs	Forage availability, other metals and cost not quantified.
Verification	Confirm with lot-specific lead results using an adequate quantification limit.

Design, applicability and operating conditions

Author or review guidance. Applies to processing equipment.

One study family.

As reported by the source

Reduces metal reaching nectar, honeydew or honey, or detects it before release.

Source measurements and linked outcomes

Analyte	Period	Effect	Converted values	Original means (SD)	Basis	Locator
Aluminium (Al)	As reported	Guidance; effect not measured	Numerical baseline not extracted	Absolute values unextracted	Honey as collected	Discussion, p. 13

Cited literature, not tested.

No percentage calculated unless shown in outcomes.

Not applicable.

Trade-offs and implementation

Not assessed.

Not quantified.

Not assessed.

Applicability and verification

Applies to processing equipment.

Lot testing.

See source.

Extraction limits and next actions

Unresolved field	Next action
controlled intervention effect	No controlled honey intervention study in the library; keep effect unquantified unless measured.

Provenance and assessment

As disclosed by the source.

Source facts and HMI calculations are distinguished above. These selected source findings do not constitute a systematic review; outcome-level appraisal remains incomplete.

Test lots with a method able to see well below 100 µg/kglot acceptance and release · As reported

Honey

Pb · Context

Context

Karagözlü et al. 2024

HMI source record · Original source

Contextual literature cited by this report; not a new intervention dataset.

Effects and comparators

LeadDetection, not removalMethod detection limit in honeySensor versus required sensitivityHoney as collectedContext · No supported numerical treatment contrast is retained for this finding. A direction, market association, source-selection strategy or guidance statement alone does not establish a percentage change.

Sensor detection limit versus the EU 100 µg/kg maximum.

How magnitude is classified

HMI editorial magnitude bands: Low is a change greater than 0% and below 25%; Moderate is 25% to below 50%; High is 50% or more, relative to that control’s own comparator. Direction is shown separately. These are descriptive display bands, not validated efficacy cutoffs, occurrence-baseline positions, statistical significance, evidence certainty, safety or net benefit. A range spanning bands retains both labels; a qualitative label has no implied percentage.

Control in context

A published low-cost lead sensor reaches only about 378 µg/kg in honey after its 20-fold dilution, above the EU limit; testing detects lead and does not remove it.

Context	Selected control
Material	Honey lead screening
Stage	lot acceptance and release
Audience	Ingredient suppliers · Brands
Period	As reported
Conditions	Any lot-release testing for lead.
Tested scale	Laboratory method
Sample units	Source sampling units; no independent intervention units unless stated.
Trade-offs	Forage availability, other metals and cost not quantified.
Verification	Confirm with lot-specific lead results using an adequate quantification limit.

Design, applicability and operating conditions

Author or review guidance. Any lot-release testing for lead.

One study family.

As reported by the source

Reduces metal reaching nectar, honeydew or honey, or detects it before release.

Source measurements and linked outcomes

Analyte	Period	Effect	Converted values	Original means (SD)	Basis	Locator
Lead (Pb)	As reported	Detection, not removal	Numerical baseline not extracted	Absolute values unextracted	Honey as collected	Section 3.3

Method fitness only.

No percentage calculated unless shown in outcomes.

Not applicable.

Trade-offs and implementation

Not assessed.

Not quantified.

Not assessed.

Applicability and verification

Any lot-release testing for lead.

Lot testing.

See source.

Extraction limits and next actions

Unresolved field	Next action
controlled intervention effect	No controlled honey intervention study in the library; keep effect unquantified unless measured.

Provenance and assessment

As disclosed by the source.

Source facts and HMI calculations are distinguished above. These selected source findings do not constitute a systematic review; outcome-level appraisal remains incomplete.

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Moving hives toward “clean” countryside is not a guaranteed fix.^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}^{24Knoll S, Cappai MG · 2024Foraging Activity of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L., 1758) and Exposure to Cadmium: a ReviewNot reportedRead source →} Farmland can carry cadmium from phosphate fertiliser and soil, and the Polish clean-area honeys were not measurably lower than urban ones.^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}^{24Knoll S, Cappai MG · 2024Foraging Activity of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L., 1758) and Exposure to Cadmium: a ReviewNot reportedRead source →}

Choosing floral type for lower lead can raise another metal. Honeydew honey in Poland was higher in aluminium and manganese, while Calabrian honeydew sat in the middle for lead.^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}^{17Naccari C, Ferrantelli V, Cammilleri G, Barbaccia G, Riolo P, Ferrante MC, Procopio A, Palma E · 2025Study of Toxic Metals and Microelements in Honey as a Tool to Support Beekeeping Production and Consumer SafetyFoods 2025, 14, 1986Read source →} Cheaper screening tools carry their own trade-off: a published lead sensor’s detection limit, once its 20-fold dilution is counted, is about 378 µg/kg, too high to check the EU limit.^{16Karagozlu M, Asir S, Abu Shama N, Gokturk I, Yilmaz F, Turkmen D, Denizli A, Ozgoren M · 2024Development of Molecularly Imprinted Magnetic Amino Acid-Based Nanoparticles for Voltammetric Analysis of Lead Ions in HoneyPolymers 2024, 16, 1782Read source →}

Testing honey for metals

A useful honey lead test must be able to see well below 100 µg/kg.^{2European Commission · 2023Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006Official Journal of the European UnionRead source →} FDA’s reporting limit was 4 µg/kg and many European laboratories reported limits of a few µg/kg, but some GEMS/Food submissions carried limits of 200 µg/kg or more, which cannot show whether honey meets the EU limit.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →} Several surveys reported no detection limit, reference material or recovery at all.^{9Limani Bektashi N, Abazi D, Popovska O, Latifi A, Reka AA · 2021Characterization of honey: determination of metal and sugar contentJournal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental SciencesRead source →}^{13Wise JP Jr, Wise RM, Hoffert A, Wise JTF, Specht AJ · 2025Elevated Metal Levels in U.S. Honeys: Is There a Concern for Human Health?Biological Trace Element ResearchRead source →}^{15Salama AS, Etorki AM, Awad MH · 2019Determination of Physicochemical Properties and Toxic Heavy Metals Levels in Honey Samples from West of LibyaJournal of Advanced Chemical SciencesRead source →}^{25Aljedani DM · 2017Determination of Some Heavy Metals and Elements in Honeybee and Honey Samples from Saudi ArabiaEntomology and Applied Science LettersRead source →}

Report non-detects with their limit, keep the method and laboratory, and treat a single composite or a supplier’s average as different from a lot result.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →} Arsenic and mercury in honey should be read as totals; no source here measured their species.^{13Wise JP Jr, Wise RM, Hoffert A, Wise JTF, Specht AJ · 2025Elevated Metal Levels in U.S. Honeys: Is There a Concern for Human Health?Biological Trace Element ResearchRead source →}^{11Gunes ME · 2021Chestnut Honey as a Complementary Medicine: Determination of Antibacterial Activity, Heavy Metal Residue and Health Risk AssessmentJournal of Advances in VetBio Science and TechniquesRead source →}^{22Shukla V, Kumar A · 2020Melissopalynological and physicochemical analysis of honey samples from Prayagraj District, Uttar PradeshActa PalaeobotanicaRead source →}

Why do some studies report very high lead in honey?

Some very high values do not survive a check against their own papers. One Ethiopian study reports about 20 mg/kg lead, a level its own detection limits could not have measured after its stated dilution, and a Libyan survey reports 2.4–11 mg/kg means with no quality control.^{14Teferi AN, Dibabe YB, Debalke AG, Beyene TW, Feng W, Ho C · 2026Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Associated Health Risks in Honey from Kellem Wollega Zone, EthiopiaToxicsRead source →}^{15Salama AS, Etorki AM, Awad MH · 2019Determination of Physicochemical Properties and Toxic Heavy Metals Levels in Honey Samples from West of LibyaJournal of Advanced Chemical SciencesRead source →} Other high results, such as 1.55 mg/kg in a Libyan market honey, are single values without replicate or method detail.^{18Aburas NM, Amaizah NR, Hadidan ME · 2023Pollution assessment by estimation of Lead and Cadmium concentrations and some physical properties in a number of types of Libyan HoneyBani Waleed University Journal of Humanities and Applied SciencesRead source →}

Buying and verifying honey

Ask for lot-specific lead results with the laboratory’s quantification limit, compared with the EU 100 µg/kg maximum or the limit in the destination market.^{2European Commission · 2023Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006Official Journal of the European UnionRead source →}^{26MERCOSUR Grupo Mercado Comun · 2011MERCOSUR/GMC/RES. No. 12/11: Reglamento Tecnico MERCOSUR sobre Limites Maximos de Contaminantes Inorganicos en AlimentosMERCOSUR/GMC/RES. No. 12/11Read source →}^{27USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, FAS China Staff (Beijing) · 2023China Releases the Standard for Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Foods (USDA FAS GAIN Report CH2023-0040, unofficial translation of GB 2762-2022)USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN), Report Number CH2023-0040Read source →} Limits differ: MERCOSUR sets 300 µg/kg for lead, China 500 µg/kg, and Hong Kong 100 µg/kg for honey and sugar-based candies.^{21Hong Kong e-Legislation · 2025Hong Kong Cap. 132V Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations, consolidated 5 September 2025Hong Kong e-Legislation Cap. 132VRead source →}^{26MERCOSUR Grupo Mercado Comun · 2011MERCOSUR/GMC/RES. No. 12/11: Reglamento Tecnico MERCOSUR sobre Limites Maximos de Contaminantes Inorganicos en AlimentosMERCOSUR/GMC/RES. No. 12/11Read source →}^{27USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, FAS China Staff (Beijing) · 2023China Releases the Standard for Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Foods (USDA FAS GAIN Report CH2023-0040, unofficial translation of GB 2762-2022)USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN), Report Number CH2023-0040Read source →}

Record where the bees foraged as well as where the honey was packed or bought, because most datasets identify only the market.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{9Limani Bektashi N, Abazi D, Popovska O, Latifi A, Reka AA · 2021Characterization of honey: determination of metal and sugar contentJournal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental SciencesRead source →} Blends from several origins can hide a high-lead component that a single average will not reveal.

Exposure from honey

Honey is eaten in small amounts, so even its relatively high lead median adds little to most diets.^{7Food Standards Australia New Zealand · 201925th Australian Total Diet StudyFood Standards Australia New ZealandRead source →} Australia’s 25th Total Diet Study found honey was a minor contributor to lead exposure for every age group except children aged 2–5, where it contributed 6%.^{7Food Standards Australia New Zealand · 201925th Australian Total Diet StudyFood Standards Australia New ZealandRead source →}

One US paper reports that honey intakes exceed tolerable weekly limits, but its intake table is mislabelled by a factor of 1,000.^{13Wise JP Jr, Wise RM, Hoffert A, Wise JTF, Specht AJ · 2025Elevated Metal Levels in U.S. Honeys: Is There a Concern for Human Health?Biological Trace Element ResearchRead source →} Recomputing with the paper’s own formula puts its lead intake at about 1.5% of the reference value it cites, so the paper does not show an exceedance.^{13Wise JP Jr, Wise RM, Hoffert A, Wise JTF, Specht AJ · 2025Elevated Metal Levels in U.S. Honeys: Is There a Concern for Human Health?Biological Trace Element ResearchRead source →} No source in the ledger measured metals in honey-containing foods together with the honey that went into them.^{19Hidalgo MJ, Villafane RN, Sgroppo SC, Marchevsky EJ, Pellerano RG · 2015Toxic Trace Element Contents in Gluten-free Cereal Bars Marketed in ArgentinaInternational Journal of Celiac Disease 3(1):12-16Read source →}^{20Depa Keshava R. · 2019Heavy Metals in Baby Foods and Cereal ProductsTurkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics EducationRead source →}

Evidence review and remaining gaps

This assessment covers every source record in the HMI library that is tagged to honey or mentions it, plus every honey row in the WHO GEMS/Food, FDA and other indexed datasets; each has a recorded decision based on its content. Three sources are held in part because their values could not be reconciled with their own methods or figures.^{13Wise JP Jr, Wise RM, Hoffert A, Wise JTF, Specht AJ · 2025Elevated Metal Levels in U.S. Honeys: Is There a Concern for Human Health?Biological Trace Element ResearchRead source →}^{14Teferi AN, Dibabe YB, Debalke AG, Beyene TW, Feng W, Ho C · 2026Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Associated Health Risks in Honey from Kellem Wollega Zone, EthiopiaToxicsRead source →}^{15Salama AS, Etorki AM, Awad MH · 2019Determination of Physicochemical Properties and Toxic Heavy Metals Levels in Honey Samples from West of LibyaJournal of Advanced Chemical SciencesRead source →} Two gaps remain: the Australian total diet studies’ appendices with honey cadmium, arsenic and mercury, and the German MEAL study’s per-food supplement.^{7Food Standards Australia New Zealand · 201925th Australian Total Diet StudyFood Standards Australia New ZealandRead source →}^{8Food Standards Australia New Zealand · 2011The 23rd Australian Total Diet StudyFood Standards Australia New ZealandRead source →}

References identify the sources used in these answers. The Sources index preserves additional discovery links; inclusion there does not mean a source has been reviewed for this assessment. Corrections, completed searches, new direct evidence and changes in requirements should reopen the relevant answer.

Honey FAQs

What heavy metals are found in honey?

Lead is the metal most often found at levels that matter; cadmium, mercury and arsenic are usually low or below detection.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →} Honey can also contain aluminium, nickel and chromium, which vary with honey type and processing.^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}^{17Naccari C, Ferrantelli V, Cammilleri G, Barbaccia G, Riolo P, Ferrante MC, Procopio A, Palma E · 2025Study of Toxic Metals and Microelements in Honey as a Tool to Support Beekeeping Production and Consumer SafetyFoods 2025, 14, 1986Read source →}^{9Limani Bektashi N, Abazi D, Popovska O, Latifi A, Reka AA · 2021Characterization of honey: determination of metal and sugar contentJournal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental SciencesRead source →}

How do heavy metals get into honey?

Bees carry metals from nectar, honeydew and airborne dust into the hive, but much is filtered out along the way.^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}^{6Manouchehri A, Pirhadi M, Shokri S, Khaniki GJ, Shamaei S, Miranzadeh MH · 2021The Possible Effects of Heavy Metals in Honey as Toxic and Carcinogenic Substances on Human Health: A Systematic ReviewArı Dergisi / Uludag Bee JournalRead source →} In Poland, lead fell from 21.3 mg/kg in soil to 0.05 mg/kg in honey.^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}

Is raw or organic honey free from heavy metals?

No source in the HMI ledger compares organic-certified and conventional honey for metals, so there is no evidence either way. Raw honey from beekeepers is not automatically lower: five Balkan samples, four from beekeepers and one from a shop, all had lead between 33 and 55 µg/kg.^{9Limani Bektashi N, Abazi D, Popovska O, Latifi A, Reka AA · 2021Characterization of honey: determination of metal and sugar contentJournal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental SciencesRead source →}

Which types of honey have the lowest levels?

Within one Italian study, chestnut honey had the lowest lead and wildflower the highest, but no study shows a floral type that is reliably lower everywhere.^{17Naccari C, Ferrantelli V, Cammilleri G, Barbaccia G, Riolo P, Ferrante MC, Procopio A, Palma E · 2025Study of Toxic Metals and Microelements in Honey as a Tool to Support Beekeeping Production and Consumer SafetyFoods 2025, 14, 1986Read source →} Honeydew honey tends to carry more aluminium.^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →}

Which countries or regions produce honey with the lowest lead?

Monitored retail honey in the US, Europe and Australia shows the lowest lead in the evidence, with US composites below 4 µg/kg and most European results below detection.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →}^{7Food Standards Australia New Zealand · 201925th Australian Total Diet StudyFood Standards Australia New ZealandRead source →} Surveys from Iran, Morocco and Libya report higher values, but they used different methods and sampling, so they cannot rank countries.^{3Aghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, Nazmara S · 2015Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryJournal of Environmental Health Science & EngineeringRead source →}^{10Abeslami A, El Farissi H, Cacciola F, El Bachiri A, Sindic M, Fauconnier ML, Bruneau E, Talhaoui A · 2025Unveiling the Mineral and Sugar Richness of Moroccan Honeys: A Study of Botanical Origins and Quality IndicatorsMoleculesRead source →}^{18Aburas NM, Amaizah NR, Hadidan ME · 2023Pollution assessment by estimation of Lead and Cadmium concentrations and some physical properties in a number of types of Libyan HoneyBani Waleed University Journal of Humanities and Applied SciencesRead source →}

Do foods made with honey also contain heavy metals?

No study in the ledger measured both a honey and the food made with it. Honey-sweetened cereal bars and infant cereals have been tested, but their lead cannot be attributed to the honey.^{19Hidalgo MJ, Villafane RN, Sgroppo SC, Marchevsky EJ, Pellerano RG · 2015Toxic Trace Element Contents in Gluten-free Cereal Bars Marketed in ArgentinaInternational Journal of Celiac Disease 3(1):12-16Read source →}^{20Depa Keshava R. · 2019Heavy Metals in Baby Foods and Cereal ProductsTurkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics EducationRead source →}

What do the levels in honey mean for health?

Because honey is eaten in small amounts, it contributes little lead to most diets: in Australia it was a minor source for all ages except children aged 2–5, where it supplied 6%.^{7Food Standards Australia New Zealand · 201925th Australian Total Diet StudyFood Standards Australia New ZealandRead source →} A widely cited US claim that honey exceeds tolerable intakes rests on a unit error in that paper.^{13Wise JP Jr, Wise RM, Hoffert A, Wise JTF, Specht AJ · 2025Elevated Metal Levels in U.S. Honeys: Is There a Concern for Human Health?Biological Trace Element ResearchRead source →}

Are there legal limits for heavy metals in honey?

Yes, mostly for lead: the EU allows 0.10 mg/kg, Hong Kong 0.1 mg/kg, MERCOSUR 0.30 mg/kg and China 0.5 mg/kg.^{2European Commission · 2023Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006Official Journal of the European UnionRead source →}^{21Hong Kong e-Legislation · 2025Hong Kong Cap. 132V Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations, consolidated 5 September 2025Hong Kong e-Legislation Cap. 132VRead source →}^{26MERCOSUR Grupo Mercado Comun · 2011MERCOSUR/GMC/RES. No. 12/11: Reglamento Tecnico MERCOSUR sobre Limites Maximos de Contaminantes Inorganicos en AlimentosMERCOSUR/GMC/RES. No. 12/11Read source →}^{27USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, FAS China Staff (Beijing) · 2023China Releases the Standard for Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Foods (USDA FAS GAIN Report CH2023-0040, unofficial translation of GB 2762-2022)USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN), Report Number CH2023-0040Read source →} MERCOSUR also sets cadmium (0.10) and total arsenic (0.30 mg/kg) limits for honey.^{26MERCOSUR Grupo Mercado Comun · 2011MERCOSUR/GMC/RES. No. 12/11: Reglamento Tecnico MERCOSUR sobre Limites Maximos de Contaminantes Inorganicos en AlimentosMERCOSUR/GMC/RES. No. 12/11Read source →}

Can processing or filtering remove heavy metals from honey?

No study in the ledger measured metal removal by filtering or processing honey. The supported advice is preventive: keep honey out of soldered, uncoated or galvanised metal containers.^{3Aghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, Nazmara S · 2015Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryJournal of Environmental Health Science & EngineeringRead source →}^{6Manouchehri A, Pirhadi M, Shokri S, Khaniki GJ, Shamaei S, Miranzadeh MH · 2021The Possible Effects of Heavy Metals in Honey as Toxic and Carcinogenic Substances on Human Health: A Systematic ReviewArı Dergisi / Uludag Bee JournalRead source →}

Is honeydew honey different from blossom honey?

Yes for aluminium: Polish honeydew honey carried far more aluminium than blossom honeys from the same apiaries.^{5Tomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, Dzugan M · 2020Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsActa Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food TechnologyRead source →} For lead it was neither lowest nor highest in the Calabrian study.^{17Naccari C, Ferrantelli V, Cammilleri G, Barbaccia G, Riolo P, Ferrante MC, Procopio A, Palma E · 2025Study of Toxic Metals and Microelements in Honey as a Tool to Support Beekeeping Production and Consumer SafetyFoods 2025, 14, 1986Read source →}

Should honey be stored in metal containers?

Survey authors and reviews advise against soldered, uncoated or galvanised metal, because acidic honey can corrode it and pick up lead, tin or zinc.^{3Aghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, Nazmara S · 2015Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryJournal of Environmental Health Science & EngineeringRead source →}^{6Manouchehri A, Pirhadi M, Shokri S, Khaniki GJ, Shamaei S, Miranzadeh MH · 2021The Possible Effects of Heavy Metals in Honey as Toxic and Carcinogenic Substances on Human Health: A Systematic ReviewArı Dergisi / Uludag Bee JournalRead source →}^{14Teferi AN, Dibabe YB, Debalke AG, Beyene TW, Feng W, Ho C · 2026Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Associated Health Risks in Honey from Kellem Wollega Zone, EthiopiaToxicsRead source →} This is guidance; no source measured the effect.

How can I tell whether a honey lead test is good enough?

Check that the laboratory’s quantification limit is far below 100 µg/kg; FDA reported down to 4 µg/kg.^{2European Commission · 2023Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006Official Journal of the European UnionRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →} A published low-cost lead sensor could only see about 378 µg/kg in honey, too high to check the EU limit.^{16Karagozlu M, Asir S, Abu Shama N, Gokturk I, Yilmaz F, Turkmen D, Denizli A, Ozgoren M · 2024Development of Molecularly Imprinted Magnetic Amino Acid-Based Nanoparticles for Voltammetric Analysis of Lead Ions in HoneyPolymers 2024, 16, 1782Read source →}

Has lead in honey been falling?

In European GEMS/Food submissions, the share of results definitely above 100 µg/kg fell from 6.7% in 2003–2007 to 1.3% in 2013–2019.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →} These are national monitoring submissions, not a fixed panel of producers.

Does honey contain mercury or arsenic?

Usually very little: about four in five European mercury results were below detection, and US composites were below 1 µg/kg mercury and 3 µg/kg arsenic.^{1World Health Organization · 2026GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsGEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment ProgrammeRead source →}^{4U.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2022FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsFDA Total Diet StudyRead source →} A US paper reporting mercury in the mg/kg range used an unverified method and is not used here.^{13Wise JP Jr, Wise RM, Hoffert A, Wise JTF, Specht AJ · 2025Elevated Metal Levels in U.S. Honeys: Is There a Concern for Human Health?Biological Trace Element ResearchRead source →}

References

Works cited on this page, in citation-number order. See Sources for this page’s source inventory. Each title links to a source record with bibliographic details, reported findings, and document provenance.

GEMS/Food Contaminants database heavy-metal exportsWorld Health Organization · GEMS/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Programme · 2026 · extranet.who.intDataset
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006European Commission · Official Journal of the European Union · 2023 · eur-lex.europa.euRegulation
Heavy metals determination in honey samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometryAghamirlou HM, Khadem M, Rahmani A, Sadeghian M, Mahvi AH, Akbarzadeh A, et al. · Journal of Environmental Health Science & Engineering · 2015 · doi.org/10.1186/s40201-015-0189-8Peer-reviewed
FY2018-FY2020 TDS Elements Analytical ResultsU.S. Food and Drug Administration · FDA Total Diet Study · 2022 · www.fda.govDataset
Transfer of some toxic metals from soil to honey depending on bee habitat conditionsTomczyk M, Zagula G, Puchalski C, and Dzugan M · Acta Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food Technology · 2020 · doi.org/10.2478/aucft-2020-0005Peer-reviewed
The Possible Effects of Heavy Metals in Honey as Toxic and Carcinogenic Substances on Human Health: A Systematic ReviewManouchehri A, Pirhadi M, Shokri S, Khaniki GJ, Shamaei S, and Miranzadeh MH · Arı Dergisi / Uludag Bee Journal · 2021 · doi.org/10.31467/uluaricilik.973053Review
25th Australian Total Diet StudyFood Standards Australia New Zealand · 2019 · www.foodstandards.gov.auGovernment
The 23rd Australian Total Diet StudyFood Standards Australia New Zealand · 2011Government
Characterization of honey: determination of metal and sugar contentLimani Bektashi N, Abazi D, Popovska O, Latifi A, and Reka AA · Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences · 2021 · doi.org/10.55302/JAFES21752037lbPeer-reviewed
Unveiling the Mineral and Sugar Richness of Moroccan Honeys: A Study of Botanical Origins and Quality IndicatorsAbeslami A, El Farissi H, Cacciola F, El Bachiri A, Sindic M, Fauconnier ML, et al. · Molecules · 2025 · doi.org/10.3390/molecules30010150Peer-reviewed
Chestnut Honey as a Complementary Medicine: Determination of Antibacterial Activity, Heavy Metal Residue and Health Risk AssessmentGunes ME · Journal of Advances in VetBio Science and Techniques · 2021 · doi.org/10.31797/vetbio.931144Peer-reviewed
Selected Toxic Elements and Pesticide Residues in Organic and Conventional Honey from Poland: A Preliminary Comparative StudyWilczyńska A, Żak N, and Stasiuk E · Agriculture 2026, 16, 2154 · 2026 · doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16192154Peer-reviewed
Elevated Metal Levels in U.S. Honeys: Is There a Concern for Human Health?Wise JP Jr, Wise RM, Hoffert A, Wise JTF, and Specht AJ · Biological Trace Element Research · 2025 · doi.org/10.1007/s12011-024-04295-1Peer-reviewed
Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Associated Health Risks in Honey from Kellem Wollega Zone, EthiopiaTeferi AN, Dibabe YB, Debalke AG, Beyene TW, Feng W, and Ho C · Toxics · 2026 · doi.org/10.3390/toxics14030229Peer-reviewed
Determination of Physicochemical Properties and Toxic Heavy Metals Levels in Honey Samples from West of LibyaSalama AS, Etorki AM, and Awad MH · Journal of Advanced Chemical Sciences · 2019 · doi.org/10.30799/jacs.207.19050104Peer-reviewed
Development of Molecularly Imprinted Magnetic Amino Acid-Based Nanoparticles for Voltammetric Analysis of Lead Ions in HoneyKaragozlu M, Asir S, Abu Shama N, Gokturk I, Yilmaz F, Turkmen D, et al. · Polymers 2024, 16, 1782 · 2024 · doi.org/10.3390/polym16131782Peer-reviewed
Study of Toxic Metals and Microelements in Honey as a Tool to Support Beekeeping Production and Consumer SafetyNaccari C, Ferrantelli V, Cammilleri G, Barbaccia G, Riolo P, Ferrante MC, et al. · Foods 2025, 14, 1986 · 2025 · doi.org/10.3390/foods14111986Peer-reviewed
Pollution assessment by estimation of Lead and Cadmium concentrations and some physical properties in a number of types of Libyan HoneyAburas NM, Amaizah NR, and Hadidan ME · Bani Waleed University Journal of Humanities and Applied Sciences · 2023 · doi.org/10.58916/jhas.v8i5.106Peer-reviewed
Toxic Trace Element Contents in Gluten-free Cereal Bars Marketed in ArgentinaHidalgo MJ, Villafane RN, Sgroppo SC, Marchevsky EJ, and Pellerano RG · International Journal of Celiac Disease 3(1):12-16 · 2015 · doi.org/10.12691/ijcd-3-1-4Peer-reviewed
Heavy Metals in Baby Foods and Cereal ProductsDepa Keshava R. · Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education · 2019 · doi.org/10.61841/turcomat.v10i1.14953Peer-reviewed
Hong Kong Cap. 132V Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations, consolidated 5 September 2025Hong Kong e-Legislation · 2025 · www.elegislation.gov.hkRegulation
Melissopalynological and physicochemical analysis of honey samples from Prayagraj District, Uttar PradeshShukla V and Kumar A · Acta Palaeobotanica · 2020 · doi.org/10.35535/acpa-2020-0004Peer-reviewed
Environmental pollution effect on honey bees and their derived products: a comprehensive analysisMargaoan R, Papa G, Nicolescu A, Cornea-Cipcigan M, Kosoglu M, Topal E, et al. · Environmental Science and Pollution Research · 2024 · doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-33754-4Peer-reviewed
Foraging Activity of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L., 1758) and Exposure to Cadmium: a ReviewKnoll S and Cappai MG · 2024 · doi.org/10.1007/s12011-024-04118-3Peer-reviewed
Determination of Some Heavy Metals and Elements in Honeybee and Honey Samples from Saudi ArabiaAljedani DM · Entomology and Applied Science Letters · 2017 · www.easletters.comPeer-reviewed
MERCOSUR/GMC/RES. No. 12/11: Reglamento Tecnico MERCOSUR sobre Limites Maximos de Contaminantes Inorganicos en AlimentosMERCOSUR Grupo Mercado Comun · MERCOSUR/GMC/RES. No. 12/11 · 2011Regulation
China Releases the Standard for Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Foods (USDA FAS GAIN Report CH2023-0040, unofficial translation of GB 2762-2022)USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, FAS China Staff (Beijing) · USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN), Report Number CH2023-0040 · 2023 · www.fas.usda.govRegulation

Sources

Browse Honey Sources for sources cited on this page and additional discovery candidates. The searchable index distinguishes verified citation use from discovery relationships whose relevance has not been established.

Update history

22 October 2026 — Rebuilt from every honey record in the library: WHO GEMS/Food and FDA monitoring results, sixteen survey and total-diet sources, pooled honey comparisons, verified limits and stage-led controls.

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Heavy metals in Honey

Honey overview

What counts as honey

Heavy metal contamination profile of honey

How metals reach honey

Which honeys and origins measured lower

Processing, storage and packaging

Mitigation from apiary to jar

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Testing honey for metals

Buying and verifying honey

Exposure from honey

Evidence review and remaining gaps

Honey FAQs

References

Sources

Update history

Referenced by

Graph View

Heavy metals in Honey

Honey overview

What counts as honey

Heavy metal contamination profile of honey

How metals reach honey

Which honeys and origins measured lower

Processing, storage and packaging

Mitigation from apiary to jar

Trade-offs and limits of controls

Testing honey for metals

Buying and verifying honey

Exposure from honey

Evidence review and remaining gaps

Honey FAQs

References

Sources

Update history

Related ingredients

Referenced by

Graph View