Kontamination von Honig mit Sulfathiazol durch Raeuberei unter Bienen

摘要

The official food control authority of AR, AI, GL and SH has found residues of the antibacterial drug sulfathiazole in honey samples of two bee-keepers from the same area. Subsequently, honey samples in all twenty apiaries in this area were taken and analysed. Sulfathiazole was detected in honey samples from ten out of the twenty examined apiaries. The source of the contaminations was located in three apiaries belonging to the same bee-keeper. The highest measured concentration was 45 mg/kg honey, which surpasses the Swiss maximum residue level by a factor of 900. The bees must have carried the contaminated honey from these three apiaries into seven neighbouring ones. Consequently, several measures have been disposed, including destruction of honeycombs. The examination of honeys harvested during the next bee season showed a significant improvement, since small amounts were detected in only one honey sample. The damage caused by the illegal application of sulfathiazole is estimated to be several 10000 Swiss francs.