MPI makes decision on scientific definition of Mānuka honey

Date: 12 Dec 2017
Author: Hill Laboratories

After extensive industry consultation, the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has made its decision on the scientific definition of Mānuka honey.

What you need to know

1. What does MPI’s science definition for mānuka honey include?

The final scientific definition for mānuka honey is made up of a combination of four chemical markers from nectar and one DNA marker from mānuka pollen.

2. When do the new rules start applying?

From 5 February 2018, all mānuka honey for export will have to be tested and meet MPI’s scientific definition before it can be sold overseas.

3. What if I've got untested honey that is labelled as mānuka honey?

If you have untested honey already in retail packs that were labelled mānuka before the new rules started, you may still export the honey provided it:

is going to a country that doesn't require official assurances; and
is exported within 6 months of the start of the new rules.

If you want to export the honey to a country that does require official assurances, then it has to be tested and relabeled where appropriate.

4. What scientific changes have been made to the original definition proposed in April 2017?

The levels of 2’-methoxyacetophenone (2’-MAP) has been increased from 1 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg to make it even harder for anyone to attempt blending different types of honey with mānuka honey to meet the definition.

Read the official press release from the Minister for Agriculture & Food Safety.
Visit MPI's Manuka Honey page for more information.
Read the full statement regarding the delay released in August 2017.