Honey Testing
At Hill Laboratories we have an extensive range of honey tests. These are performed using the latest technology and methods, and are analysed on state-of-the-art instruments.
We're committed to providing exceptional customer service, with a team of dedicated honey Client Service Managers. Contact us to find out more.
Routine Honey Tests:
Our Manuka 5 Attributes test is the MPI science definition of mānuka honey, as announced 11 April 2017. This test is for MPI's General Requirement for Export (GREX) for honey.
The definition uses 5 attributes (4 chemical markers and a DNA marker) that when present in honey at specified levels provide evidence that the honey is New Zealand Manuka Honey, either monofloral or multifloral, depending on the concentration of one of the chemical markers.
For members of the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) that require a UMF® Release Certificate, this can be requested with our 3 IN 1 Honey Suite + Leptosperin tests at no extra costs. Our 3 IN 1 Honey Suite + Leptosperin results are submitted to UMFHA triggering the release of the certificate.
A combination of three of our most popular manuka honey tests (MGO, DHA & HMF) all done as one analysis using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC).
MGO results are converted into Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA). NPA is an indicator of the activity in manuka honey. NPA can be requested with the 3-in-1 Honey Suite at no extra cost.
Leptosperin is a natural product in manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey and is required with the 3 in 1 Honey Suite for a UMF® certificate.
Tutin is a toxic compound that may be present in honey that has been produced where tutu plants are present. Testing for Tutin in honey is regulated under an Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) standard.
Compositing Tutin samples - samples for Tutin testing can be composited together. See our Tutin Compositing - Tech Note
American foulbrood (AFB) is a fatal bacterial disease of honey bee brood caused by the spore forming bacterium Paenibacillus larvae. Testing for AFB is a current requirement of export into some international markets and is also used to aid hive health management programs. Our AFB method is IANZ accredited, MPI recognised so you can be confident in your honey products and your hives health.
The C4 sugar test detects if honey has been adulterated by the addition of sugar. This test is conducted using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) and can be used for export honey.
The C4 sugar screen is a cost effective and timely analysis used to screen for possible honey adulteration. This method should not be used for exporting.
Glyphosate is a commonly used herbicide. Glyphosate testing in honey is now a requirement for any producer exporting to Japan. Our glyphosate method is IANZ accredited, MPI recognised so you can have confidence your product meets this export requirement.
Digital Honey Tools:
Simply add your inventory of drums to the online tool, select your target blend and submit. The tool searches through the inventory and selects the optimal set of drums for the batch.
- Highly configurable – blends can be created based on 12 parameters including NPA, DHA, MGO, HMF, MPI Manuka Attributes, C4 Sugars, Tutin, Leptosperin and cost
- Fast - results are provided within minutes
- Cloud based system – use on any PC with no need to install software and automatic updates as regulations change
- Highly secure - results are safe
Click here to watch a recorded webinar on this tool.
Using your own data, this online tool allows you to predict the level of markers MGO, DHA and HMF over time helping you to understand the future value of your honey and improve business planning.
Click here to watch a recorded webinar on this tool.
Other Honey Tests:
- Aerobic Plate Count (APC)
- Yeasts and Moulds
- Diastase
- Moisture
- Colour
- Dimethylaniline (DMA) - metabolite of Amitraz
- pDCB Para - Dichlorobenzene
- pDCB + Naphthalene
- Multiresidues
- Heavy Metals
- Flumethrin, Fluvalinate & Coumaphos
- Microbiological tests
Special pricing for ApiNZ members
We support the work that Apiculture NZ does for the broader honey industry, and are glad to be able to provide additional benefits to ApiNZ members through favorable pricing for our services. To view the list of discounts click here. Please use this Request Form to receive the special pricing.