Published Article

HeadlineUnwashed honey jars could harm London bees

Short HeadlineUnwashed honey jars could harm London bees

StandfirstRestaurant owners have been urged to be careful when disposing honey jars.

Bee hives across London are in danger of contracting a disease which could lower its numbers across the capital, a local beekeepers warns.

The bee population in the UK has fallen by a third since 2008.

This is due to a number of factors including heavy use of Neocotonoid pesticidies, which are now banned in the EU.

Spores forming bacterium called Paenibacillus larvae cause the disease known as American Foulbrood.

Bees in decline

Apiarist Amanda Hayes says there has been a rise in AFB alerts in Hackney because of this highly infectious disease.

“Its spores are extremely resistant and contagious and can last for more than 40 years in honey and beekeeping equipment.

“All bees in the affected colony and all equipment must be incinerated under supervision of DEFRA.”

Hynes warns the spores could be present in imported jars of honey.

Preventative measures

However, there is one small way in which consumers and business owners can help protect bees.

Hynes believes restaurant and cafés are unwittingly spreading AFB through improper garbage disposal.

Restaurants and other food establishments are urged to be careful when dumping used honey jars or containers.

DEFRA reports that there were five cases of AFB in 2018 in Greater London alone. One case traced directly to a restaurant in Dalston.

“It could be any member of the public who’s had a jar of honey who’s dumped it outside without washing it out. If you wash it out and put it inside a sealed plastic bag it’s gone,” continued Hynes.

Amanda has written to the Environment Agency, asking them to ramp up awareness. They are yet to respond.