The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released data on the risks to human health posed by the presence of grayanotoxins in honey. The risk assessment was conducted following a request form the European Commission.
The study included all structurally related grayananes co-occurring with grayanotoxins in honey and other foods. Grayananes are a type of chemical produced by certain flower species. They can affect human muscles, the nervous system, and the cardiovascular system when ingested. Consuming grayananes may cause symptoms such as atrioventricular block, convulsions, mental confusion, agitation, syncope, and respiratory depression. The substance can accumulate in honey produced by honeybees that collect the nectar of flowering plants containing grayananes.