New Zealand's regulatory definition of mānuka honey, first introduced in 2018, has been validated following a robust scientific reassessment and will not be changed, according to New Zealand Food Safety Deputy Director-General Vincent Arbuckle.
All New Zealand’s exported mānuka honey must adhere to the definition to ensure importing countries and consumers that the honey is genuine.
"While most in the industry are happy with the definition as it stands, some have raised concerns that it does not appropriately account for natural regional variations of honey,” said Arbuckle.
"There was also industry interest in issues related to the chemical and genetic components that formed the definition.”
The New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has entered the scientific review process with an open mind about the possibility of change and carefully examined the claims.
"We found no good evidence to support a change."
The definition was the first in the world, developed over three years with expert input and extensive consultation.
The review process began in 2020 and involved a 'call for data' and submissions from the industry. NZFS experts analysed these submissions. NZFS' findings on the submissions were reviewed by independent panels comprised of 10 experts on mānuka honey, plant science, Māori research, and statistics.
Arbuckle continued that it was important for NZFS to get it right as the definition provides transparency to New Zealand’s trading partners and consumers and supports its reputation as a responsible trading nation.
"To be effective, the definition must be based on the best available scientific evidence confirmed by a thorough peer-review process.”
Following the reassessment process, Arbuckle stated that New Zealand could confidently reiterate that mānuka honey exported from New Zealand is genuine.
