James,
You mention that use of antibiotics in orchard use may result in a contamination chain:
pollen-nectar-bee-honey."

Then,
"Are they guessing here, or do they know something that beekeepers don't about his "contamination
chain?"

In 2000, Black forest area of Germany, it was found that honey sold was contaminated with an
antibiotic - which was thought to have had its origin in treatment of fruit trees against
fireblight.

The scandal that resulted was not due to the presence of the antibiotic - but that its manufacturer
when contacted attempted to buy up all the honey to keep the story out of the public domain.

More details - really sorry, but have not the time to get things together (trans- atlantic flight
tomorrow morning) - maybe a search on www.apiservices.com might help.
I know that the German beekeepers were appalled at the time, as much discussion was ongoing about
antibiotic residue levels in honey.

Hating to leave this in the air in such a way - and if the moderator pulls the mail - understood.

Peter