The Codex Alimentarius Commission has adopted a maximum level for lead in honey (0.1 mg/kg). Although it represents a population of over half a billion, the Arab region lacks specific lead exposure and risk assessments. The aim of this work was to collect analytical data on lead in honey available in Arab countries, and to assess the risk to local consumers from exposure to lead in these samples. A regional average concentration of lead in honey, obtained from a meta-analysis of 57 studies, was used in deterministic risk assessments for adults (nephrotoxicity and cardiovascular effects) and young children (developmental neurotoxicity).

A pooled regional mean concentration of 0.12 mg/kg [95% CI: 0.07-0.21] was obtained. The margins of exposure obtained indicate a potential concern for children in the region, with regard to their cognitive development. However, these values were obtained using FAO and WHO consumption data, and consider the same consumption for children and adults, leading to an overestimation of the risk for children. Nevertheless, food authorities should consider measures to reduce the concentration of lead in honey available for sale in the region, in order to avoid trade constraints and better protect vulnerable populations.

The article is freely available at the following link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/19440049.2024.2306647