Neonicotinoid residues in Chinese honey: a nationwide survey and assessment of potential health risks

BACKGROUND: Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are widely used insecticides in agriculture and household pest control and have raised concerns due to their potential adverse effects on pollinator populations. NEOs can be transferred to bees during pollination and subsequently accumulate in honey, making their presence in honey of particular concern, especially in China, the world's largest honey producer. RESULTS: In this study, NEO levels were investigated in 86 honey samples collected from different regions of China. Among the six target NEOs, dinotefuran (DIN) showed the highest detection frequency (95.35%), while clothianidin (CLO) exhibited the highest mean concentration (7.010 μg/kg). For neonicotinoid metabolites (mNEOs), 1-methyl-3-(tetrahydro-3-furylmethyl) guanidine (DIN-G) had the highest detection rate (82.56%), and 6-chloronicotinic acid (6-CNA) showed the highest average concentration (6.640 μg/kg). Regional analysis revealed significantly higher NEO contamination in honey from southern China compared with other regions. In addition, lychee honey and polyfloral honey contained higher NEO residue levels than other honey types. Health risk assessment based on hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) indicated that dietary exposure to NEOs through honey consumption is unlikely to pose significant health risks to consumers. CONCLUSION: This study compared NEOs residues in honey from different regions and honey types and found significantly higher NEOs concentrations in honey from southern China. Health risk assessment indicated that dietary exposure to NEOs through honey consumption is unlikely to pose significant adverse effects on human health, providing a scientific basis for market regulation and future research. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.