Methods of determination of antibiotic residues in honey

Abstract

Monitoring antibiotics residues in honey and honey products helps to assess the potential risk of these products to human health. These data provide an insight in the extent of antibiotic treatment that has been used during the beekeeping and enable the evaluation of potential environment pollution with antibiotic residues. This article offers an overview of methods for identification and determination of different antibiotics potentially present in honey, as well as of maximum residue limits for antibiotics in bee products, in particular honey. It is important to stress the importance of strict monitoring system and validation of analytical methods that will enable an accurate, precise and reliable determination of acceptable minimal concentrations of pollutants in honey.