A safety limit of 0.05 mg/kg for the pesticide picloram in honey has been set based on measurements from bee-pollinated crops, and tests show that actual residue levels in honey do not go above this limit, suggesting the limit is sufficient to reflect real conditions.

We analyzed the available evidence on picloram residue limits in honey and found that 10.0 studies or assertions support the idea that the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.05 mg/kg is sufficient to cover real-world levels. No studies or assertions in our review contradicted this. The evidence suggests that this limit was set using data from honey produced in areas where bees pollinate crops treated with picloram. Tests conducted on actual honey samples show that residue levels never exceeded 0.05 mg/kg, meaning the limit appears to align with what is typically found in the environment. This doesn’t mean picloram is never present — just that, based on the samples reviewed, it hasn’t been detected above this threshold. We don’t know how many different regions, seasons, or hive types were included in these tests, or whether rare or extreme conditions were considered. But so far, the pattern across the data points we’ve reviewed shows consistency: real-world honey residues stay at or below the set limit. What this means for consumers is that, based on current measurements, honey sold in markets is unlikely to contain picloram levels higher than what regulators have set as a safety threshold. Still, ongoing monitoring is needed, since environmental conditions and pesticide use can change over time. For now, the evidence we’ve reviewed suggests the 0.05 mg/kg limit reflects observed residue levels in honey.