>>In what way is HMFharmful to bees? From researching on the net, I gather that HMF is a sugar that results from the breakdown of fructose and, although it's harmless to humans, it is toxic to bees. I am not sure of the direct effect on bees but it causes premature death. http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:RkQB-pSF80IJ:www.dave- cushman.net/bee/oxalicstorage.html+hydroxymethylfurfural+hmf+effect+on +bees&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us Since valuable enzymes in honey decrease as the HMF increases, by limiting HMF, there is assurance of minimum enzyme levels in honey for the consumers in the EU. [HMF is easier to measure than enzymes.] HMF rapidly goes up when honey is overheated so the HMF limit also ensures the consumer does not get overcooked honey. For these reasons I think we could use HMF limits - or at least, a better understandiong - here in the US. http://209.85.165.104/search? q=cache:KFywcPQfLmYJ:www.xs4all.nl/~jtemp/hmf.html+hydroxymethylfurfur al+hmf+effect+on+bees&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=5&gl=us This site says that bees remove HMF from sugar solution before depositing it in the comb. This helps to explain why, after the significant initial bee die-off, there is no long term effect. http://209.85.165.104/search? q=cache:MRNZ9DalmgYJ:www.opisik.pulawy.pl/1_2006_e.html+hydroxymethylf urfural+hmf+effect+on+bees&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=7&gl=us Sorry about the wrap-around links. Waldemar Long Island, NY ****************************************************** * Full guidelines for BEE-L posting are at: * * http://www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm * ******************************************************