> From the pages of the Apis newsletter:
> http://apis.ifas.ufl.edu/apis97/apfeb97.htm#3


OFF-SPEC CORN SYRUP IN CANADA--SOME HFCS MAY NOT BE A BARGAIN
Last winter, some Canadian beekeepers saw many indoor-wintered colonies
die. The reason was not immediately apparent, but research finally provided
a great deal of evidence that the culprit was what is known as "off-spec"
corn syrup. This is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) that cannot be used by
the eventual customer for some reason and is subsequently sold by the
manufacturer at a discount. In the past, many beekeepers used such products
with great success.
At the Manitoba Beekeepers Association meeting in Winnipeg, Dr. Rob Currie,
University of Manitoba, revealed how his research led to the above
conclusion. After sorting through many variables, including incidence of
nosema, effects of pesticide applications, and/or granulation of feed, all
signs pointed to off-spec HFCS. One piece of evidence was the wide
variability in content of hydroxy-methyl-furfural, or HMF, in these
products. There is evidence that high levels of HMF have injured bees. A
high level of HMF is considered 114 parts per million (ppm); honey could
have as high as 40 ppm. However, Dr. Currie does not consider this the full
answer. Undissolved solids or incomplete hydrolysis also could have
contributed. High acidity levels (low pH) may be an indication of this.
However, honey itself is often low in pH (a level of 3-4 is not unusual for
the sweet on the pH scale of one through 14, seven being neutral). Dr.
Currie found almost by accident, however, that many syrups are in fact
produced using acid hydrolysis (those required in beer making, for example)
instead of enzymes (the usual production technology). Acid hydrolysis is
known to result in syrup injurious to honey bees.
Although there is a good deal of evidence that off-spec syrup is indeed the
culprit in the Manitoba incident, Dr. Currie cannot point to the actual
mechanism causing the problem. He does warn beekeepers, however, to be
aware of two possible problems in off-spec HFCS: low pH (four or lower),
and a colored syrup. Most HFCS is colorless; colored syrup may be an
indication that it was manufactured by acid hydrolysis.



Malcolm T. Sanford
Professor Emeritus, University of Florida
http://beeactor.vze.com
352-336-9744

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