Removing τ‐fluvalinate residues from press‐extracted honey

Abstract

AbstractHoney is obtained from the hives of European honeybees. Honeybees can be infested by Varroa parasitism, which affects honey production. The acaricide τ‐fluvalinate used in beehives to control Varroa mites, can leave its residues in honey, pollen and wax. A monitoring study was undertaken to determine the τ‐fluvalinate residues in honey samples taken from treated hives. The τ‐fluvalinate residues were determined by gas chromatography using a short, non‐polar packed column with electron capture detection. Analysis of 50 samples showed an average residue level of 15 µg kg−1. The same samples were filtered through Whatman filter paper to separate the honey from residual suspended particles. The filtered honeys showed no acaricide residues above the detection limit of 3 µg kg −1, while the average residue level determined in the sediments was 392 µg kg −1. Thus the residues of τ‐fluvalinate in honey can be eliminated by separating the honey from residual suspended particles that contain acaricide residues. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry