HONEY ALLERGY
Key Allergens
An allergic reaction to honey is most likely to be from what else may be within the honey, trace contaminants of:
- Pollen particles
- Antibiotics and herbicides
- Bee and hive remnants
Honey which contains pollen from the plant family Compositae (which includes sunflower and ragweed) is more likely to cause allergic symptoms.
Food Intolerances
Honey is a high FODMAP food. FODMAP stands for Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Foods high in FODMAPs can cause symptoms of food intolerance, affecting the gastro intestinal system and this can be mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.
Honey is a food high in salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause worsening of asthma, swelling, itching and hives as well as food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.
You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.
Associated Syndromes
Cross Reactivity
Resources
Websites
Bee Facts - British Beekeepers Association
Dermnet NZ - Contact allergy to propolis
Healthline - Allergic to Honey
ATP Science - Salicylate Foods
Articles and Journals
Reported Cases and Diagnostics of Occupational Insect Allergy: A Systematic Review, 2023
Anaphylaxis Reaction Caused by Honey-Based Enema -A Case Report, 2022
Honey-induced anaphylaxis in an adult, 2022
A rare case of multiple severe anaphylaxis caused by thyme, black pepper, wasp and honey, 2019
Ragweed components in honey, 2017
Anaphylaxis caused by honey: a case report, 2017
Whole bee for Diagnosis of Honey Allergy, 2002
Immunochemical screening for antimicrobial drug residues in commercial honey, 1998
Honey allergy is rare in patients sensitive to pollens, 1995
Allergy to honey: relation to pollen and honey bee allergy, 1992