Methylglyoxal in Guidelines for Labelling Manuka Honey

31 July 2014

New Zealand’s Government Recognises Methylglyoxal in its Interim Guidelines for Labelling Manuka Honey

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has acknowledged methylglyoxal as being an allowable claim in labelling manuka honey. Scientific evidence has confirmed methylglyoxal as being the key compound in manuka honey, a unique New Zealand product that is highly valued by health-conscious consumers worldwide.

MPI today released the New Zealand government’s interim guidelines for labelling manuka honey.

MPI will allow methyglyoxal, a compound that occurs naturally in manuka honey, to be claimed as a labelling parameter by producers of manuka honey.

Kerry Paul, Manuka Health’s CEO, said MPI’s announcement validated the scientific evidence Manuka Health has championed since 2008.

“It’s great that our standards have finally been adopted by the New Zealand Government,” Kerry said.

“Manuka Health labels its honey based on methylglyoxal content under the trademark MGO™ Manuka Honey.

“This statement from the Ministry for Primary Industries reinforces the integrity of Manuka Health’s labelling system. Methylglyoxal content is the only way consumers can be sure they are buying genuine manuka honey, with its active natural compound.

“Our product rating system guarantees a minimum methylglyoxal content, so consumers can have confidence they are buying genuine manuka honey with its unique activity.”

“It should be noted that phenol-equivalency ratings on Manuka honey product labelling, such as 5, 10, 15 etc, are therapeutic claims. From January 2016 these will no longer be allowed under the Food Standards Code,” Kerry said.

For more information: www.mpi.govt.nz/food/food-safety/manuka-honey

Manuka Health New Zealand Ltd – our journey
Manuka Health, based in Auckland, New Zealand, was founded by its CEO, Kerry Paul, in 2006. Kerry recognised that there was a growing demand for natural health care and nutrition products based on natural bioactives sourced from New Zealand plants and trees. Manuka Health has led the world in developing a range of innovative natural products for a wide range of human health applications. Scientific evidence is provided to support the efficacy of these products. The main sources for the products are New Zealand manuka honey, propolis and other bee products.

Manuka Health’s products are labelled according to the concentration of key bioactive compounds, eg, methylglyoxal content, using MGO™ Manuka Honey, a registered trademark. Products are distributed through a global network comprising over 45 countries.

Manuka Health is accredited to ISO 9001 and for British Retail Certification across its operation; ISO 17025 for its laboratory and testing equipment; as well as Halal & Kosher.

www.manukahealth.co.nz

ENDS

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