New Zealand honey to be tested internationally

News Release

11 October 2010

New Zealand honey to be tested internationally

The special, unique antibacterial activity present in some strains of New Zealand Manuka honey is now further protected in the international marketplace with a laboratory verification programme.

Active Manuka honey samples will be tested in independent laboratories so consumers, retailers and manufacturers can be assured their Active Manuka honey is true to label and meets strict activity and quality standards.

The Active Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) General Manger, John Rawcliffe, says they’re very proud to announce the implementation of this programme which will provide robustness in testing and assure consumers their honey meets the UMF® (Manuka honey) quality trademark. The initial participating laboratories are in Singapore and the UK with more expected as the programme grows, he says.

“These laboratories will provide an independent verification programme and ease of access for retailers, consumers and others to obtain testing of products within their marketplaces.”
Rawcliffe says testing will involve using both a standardised biological assay measuring the non-peroxide antibacterial activity levels and a test for chemical markers (methylglyoxal and possibly others). Other factors identified over time that support the identification of the unique activity will be included in this testing programme.

“This verification programme will provide a foundation to continue to develop the world-wide Manuka honey industry with New Zealand at the forefront.”

Announcements regarding participating laboratories procedures for retailers and consumers to send product for testing will be made in the near future.

ENDS

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