Investigation of Pesticide Residues in Natural Comb Honey from Tokat Province

Pesticides used in agricultural production pose a threat to bee health and may lead to residue issues in honey. While foraging for food, bees can carry chemicals to the hive from the environment, which may result in pesticide residues in bee products. In this study, 24 samples of natural comb honey collected from beekeepers in various districts of Tokat province, including Almus, Artova, Erbaa, Merkez, Niksar, Reşadiye, Pazar, Turhal, and Zile, were analyzed for 261 different pesticide residues. Natural comb honey samples were preferred to avoid potential pesticide contamination from the foundation comb or beeswax. Pesticide analyses were conducted at the Central Laboratory of Gaziosmanpaşa University in Tokat. In a sample from the Reşadiye district (Re-15), tebuconazole fungicide was detected at 0.025 mg/kg and pirimicarb insecticide at 0.469 mg/kg, both exceeding Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) values. However, all other samples tested had pesticide residues below detectable levels. The results suggest that the natural comb honey produced in Tokat province is safe, and the region is conducive to pesticide-free honey production.