A testing lab at LSU. Photo: LSU
A beekeeper asked about testing for pesticides in honey. AHA contacted the Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory (ACL) sited on the LSU campus and operated by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) about this testing process.
Amy Hernandez, Pesticide Laboratory Supervisor, responded with some information, “I would need a list of pesticides to be targeted. But [I have] only done honey for antibiotics in the past. But I'm sure we would be glad to try [to test for pesticides]. The cost may be a factor, though, [because] pesticide analysis is very expensive. The target list would help us make sure we are processing them correctly for the pesticides of concern.”
AHA checked the fee schedule for the ACL. To test a liquid for pesticides would cost $60. If a beekeeper suspects pesticide contamination of honey, then he or she would need to submit a list of suspected pesticides for testing. The testing process also requires a submittal form that is available online.
If a beekeeper has specific questions about testing honey for pesticides, here is an email address to the ACL: AgChemistryQA@agcenter.lsu.edu .
If you want to contact Beehive Buzz, please send your questions and pictures to Keith Hawkins, Area Horticulture Agent (AHA), 337-463-7006 or khawkins@agcenter.lsu.edu. Also, you can be on the “beemail” email list by emailing your request to the address above.
“This work has been supported, in part, by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Renewable Resources Extension Act Award, Accession Number 1011417.”
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture