A survey has found traces of glyphosate in one-in-five honey samples - but beekeepers say it's a tricky situation

The Ministry for Primary Industries found low levels of the chemical in twenty percent of samples from around the country, but say it's still safe to eat.

Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association general manager John Rawcliffe says while they can't control the bees, they are working to reduce those figures.

He says they can monitor where the bees are located and how they manage weeds around the hive.

Glyphosate is a recognised probable carcinogenic, and is the active ingredient in the weed-killer Round Up.