Is There Glyphosate in Honey?

The Short Answer

Yes, it is highly likely your honey contains glyphosate.

Bees are free-range foragers. They fly up to five miles from their hive to collect nectar. If that radius includes cornfields, soy crops, golf courses, or suburban lawns sprayed with Roundup, the bees bring those chemicals back to the hive.

The contamination is widespread. A Canadian Food Inspection Agency study found glyphosate in 98.5% of honey samples. In the US, the FDA has found residues in 100% of samples in specific inquiries, noting that some levels were "double the limit allowed in the European Union."

The Verdict: Unless your honey has a "Glyphosate Residue Free" certification (from The Detox Project), assume it contains trace amounts of weedkiller.

Why This Matters

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup and the most widely used herbicide in history. The World Health Organization's IARC classifies it as a "probable human carcinogen." Beyond cancer risk, recent research links glyphosate to gut health disruption, suggesting it may kill beneficial bacteria in your microbiome.

This is particularly ironic for honey, which is often marketed as a health food or a natural remedy for sore throats and allergies. You aren't just eating sugar; you're eating a concentrated record of the environment. If the environment is toxic, the honey is too.

Most alarming is the regulatory gap. The US has no legal tolerance level for glyphosate in honey. Technically, any amount is a violation. However, the FDA has historically stated that these residues are "not a safety issue" and declines to take enforcement action, leaving consumers to navigate the risk alone. Is Honey Real

What's Actually In Your Honey

When you buy a standard bear-shaped bottle of honey, you are getting a blend of nectars from thousands of different locations.

• Glyphosate (Roundup) — Brought in by bees foraging on treated crops like corn, soy, and wheat. It is water-soluble and ends up in the honey itself. Glyphosate In Oats
• Neonicotinoids — A class of insecticides linked to bee colony collapse. If it kills bees, it’s definitely in the hive.
• Antibiotics — Beekeepers often treat hives with antibiotics (like oxytetracycline) to prevent diseases like foulbrood. These can end up in the honey you eat.

The "Organic" Loophole

You might think buying "Organic" solves this. It usually doesn't.

The USDA does not certify US-produced honey as organic. Why? Because you can't put a leash on a bee. To be truly organic, the land within a 2-3 mile radius of the hive must be free of pesticides. In the US, finding that much continuous, untreated land is nearly impossible.

Most "USDA Organic" honey is imported from countries like Brazil or Mexico. While these areas may have more wild forage, oversight is inconsistent. Independent testing has found glyphosate in 45% of organic honey samples.

Bottom line: "Organic" on a honey label refers to the forage zone, not a lab test. It lowers the risk, but it doesn't eliminate it.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• "Glyphosate Residue Free" Certification — This seal (usually from The Detox Project) is the only guarantee. The brand pays for third-party lab testing to prove their product is clean.
• Wild / Remote Sourcing — Brands that source from deep forests (like the Himalayas or remote New Zealand) are safer because there are no farms nearby.
• Raw & Unfiltered — While this doesn't remove glyphosate, it ensures you aren't getting high-fructose corn syrup fillers. Raw Vs Regular Honey

Red Flags:

• "Product of USA, Argentina, etc." — Blends from multiple countries are often heated, filtered, and untraceable.
• Clear, Runny Honey — Often ultra-filtered to remove pollen (which hides the origin) and potentially adulterated with syrup.
• Plastic Bears — Generally the lowest quality, mass-market honey with the highest risk of contamination.

The Best Options

If you want honey without the herbicide, you need brands that test for it.

The Bottom Line

1. Don't trust "Organic" alone. It's better than nothing, but imported organic honey still frequently tests positive for pesticides.

2. Look for the seal. The "Glyphosate Residue Free" certification is the only way to be sure. Brands like Heavenly Organics and Comvita carry it.

3. Know your farmer. If you can't afford certified brands, buy from a local beekeeper. Ask them where their hives are located. If they are next to a golf course or cornfield, pass.

FAQ

Does raw honey have less glyphosate?

No. **Raw honey can actually have more residues** than ultra-filtered honey because it retains pollen and beeswax, which can trap environmental toxins. However, raw honey is still healthier due to enzymes and nutrients—just make sure it's from a clean source. Raw Vs Regular Honey

Is Manuka honey glyphosate-free?

Not automatically, but it's safer. New Zealand has strict biosecurity laws, and top Manuka brands (like Comvita and Manukora) pay for Glyphosate Residue Free certification to protect their premium status. Always check the label.

Can I wash glyphosate out of honey?

No. Glyphosate is water-soluble and systemic, meaning it is integrated into the honey itself. You cannot wash, cook, or filter it out. The only solution is to buy honey from bees that didn't forage on sprayed crops.

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12. 12. newzealandhoneyco.com
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14. 14. midlandsnz.com