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