UMF Manuka Honey Able To Be Verified By UK Food & Environment Research Agency (Fera)

Wednesday, 5 October 2011

Know Your Manuka Honey

What is actually in your jar? The worldwide recognition and reputation Manuka honey has gained is based on the special antibacterial property found in only some Manuka that is responsible for its internationally researched benefits.

While other honeys and all Manuka may have a degree of antibacterial activity when it is first extracted from the hive, derived from hydrogen peroxide, this is not stable (and research has shown that up to 100% can be lost during normal storage i.e while in warehousing, transit, and being on shop shelves). Some Manuka honey is different: it has a further antibacterial factor (a non-peroxide activity) which is stable and not affected by light or moderate heat. It is this which is responsible for the much talked about benefits of Manuka honey.

So how do you as a consumer know you're buying Manuka honey that does contain this unique antibacterial activity? There is an internationally accredited standard that is designed to protect the consumer - and it is now also able to be verified in the UK.

UMF Honey Association Links With UK's The Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA)

The UMF® quality trademark means you can be confident that the jar contains a safe, high quality product which is true to label and offers the benefits associated with verified levels of non-peroxide activity. Only some brands are allowed to use the UMF® quality mark.

Now a leading UK Government laboratory, Fera (The Food and Ennvironment Research Agency) is also able to check and verify just what is in jars of Manuka honey, and confirm the UMF® quality criteria are met, and that the level of unique antibacterial activity on the label is correct. This is part of an international chain of accredited and recognised laboratories able to test to the same standard for UMF® honey. It is no longer relying solely on any particular laboratory in New Zealand. Only UMF® standard provides an independent, internationally recognised verification program. Fera is a welcome addition to this program for the confidence of UK and Europe consumers.

The UMF® stamp of approval not only assures you of the level of antibacterial property as it relates to the research behind manuka honey, it also:

• verifies the honey's origin as being from New Zealand
• has independent verification of production standards to ensure consumer safety
• tests for other compounds that assist synergistically with the antibacterial factor
• audits on claims
• a forensically validated testing for the detection of adulteration
  

Of course at The New Zealand Honey Shop we have always known about the importance of the UMF® quality standard and having the level of activity stated actually relate to what is used in the research. So even if you are a past customer of ours, you rest assured that we have always supplied genuine UMF® manuka honey.

You can view our UMF® Manuka Honey range here.

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