NZ validates Mānuka honey regulatory definition

Following a robust scientific reassessment, New Zealand’s regulatory definition of Mānuka honey has been validated. The definition was first introduced in 2018 and will not be changed, according to New Zealand Food Safety Deputy Director-General Vincent Arbuckle.

All Mānuka honey exported from New Zealand must be in line with the definition to ensure that it is genuine.

According to Arbuckle, most of the industry is happy with the definition as it stands, but some have raised concerns that it may not account for natural regional variations of honey. There was also industry interest related to the chemical and genetic components that formed the definition.

“New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) entered the scientific review process with an open mind about the possibility of change and carefully examined the claims in turn.

“We found no good evidence to support a change,” Arbuckle said.

Claimed to be the first of its kind in the world, the Mānuka honey definition was developed over three years with input from experts and extensive consultation.

The review process began in 2020 and involved a ‘call for data’ and submissions from the industry, which were analysed by NZFS experts. The NZFS findings on the submissions were reviewed by independent panels comprising 10 experts on Mānuka honey, plant science, Māori research and statistics.

The definition will provide transparency to trading partners and supports NZ’s reputation as a responsible trading nation, according to Arbuckle. As such, the definition must be based on scientific evidence confirmed by a peer-review process.

“Following this robust reassessment process, we can reiterate with confidence that Mānuka honey exported from New Zealand is authentic,” said Arbuckle said.

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