The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) has published the results of the official feed monitoring on the content of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in bee feed. The data from 2021 to 2024 confirm that the recommended reference values are being met and that the positive trend of previous years is continuing.

HMF is produced as a degradation product from simple sugars (especially fructose) in bee feed syrups and doughs when exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight. High HMF levels can be harmful to bees if ingested over a long period of time – especially during winter feeding – and in extreme cases can lead to the loss of entire colonies.

Official monitoring recommends a reference value of a maximum of 60 mg HMF per kilogram of feed syrup at the time of delivery. The results of the investigations by the federal states did not lead to any objections in the years 2021 to 2024. Compared to the special programs of the years 2018 to 2020, in which 116 samples were examined, the number of samples in the following years was lower (37 samples), but the results were also inconspicuous.

Prof. Dr. Gaby-Fleur Böl, President of the BVL, explained that honey bees are of great importance for agriculture and nutrition as part of biodiversity. Compliance with the recommended storage conditions and continuous monitoring of the HMF content help to keep bees healthy.

To minimise the formation of HMF, traders and beekeepers should protect feed sugar from temperatures above 25 °C and direct sunlight. In addition, a long storage period at higher temperatures should be avoided. These measures help to provide the bees with safe care even in the winter months.

Together with the federal and state governments, science and trade associations, the BVL has drawn up a leaflet on the prevention of HMF in bee feed. It is available for download on the BVL website.

Background: Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a degradation product of simple sugars and is found in carbohydrate-containing food and feed. Studies suggest that elevated levels are harmful to honey bees, especially with long-term exposure during winter feeding. The monitoring authorities of the federal states examine feed for undesirable substances, including HMF, in a risk-oriented manner. The results are incorporated into the annual feed statistics.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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