The UMF Honey Association (UMFHA) oversees all use of the UMF® trademark and supports licensees and consumers through a number of programmes and activities.
VERIFICATION
As an independent body, The UMFHA provide unbiased analysis and quality assurance of the Mānuka honey industry and appoint independent auditors to regularly check and analyse samples from the marketplace. This helps protect consumers from counterfeit products.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDISED TESTING
The UMFHA have a programme of standardised testing in place across all territories where UMF® Manuka Honey products are sold and have an on-going commitment to being at the forefront of Mānuka honey research.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
The UMFHA have undertaken years of research to identify the key signature compounds found in genuine, high-quality Mānuka honey and continue to invest heavily in industry leading scientific research of Manuka Honey, as a way of future-proofing the industry.
Grading System Explained
Manuka Honey is highly valued by the consumer and those that are licensed get to use the quality mark. The UMF® quality mark is registered in all key consumer markets.
The UMF® testing process is the most comprehensive analysis in the industry. Unlike other grading systems, the UMFHA ensure that all of the key signature compounds which together identify genuine, high-quality Mānuka honey are present. The UMF® number on the honey’s label indicates the level of quality and purity of the product.
UMF® Grading System
The UMF® grading system has two components which are expressed on any UMF® honey product
1. LABEL
The label claim that it is genuine Manuka Honey.
2. NUMBER
This represents the unique signature compounds characteristic of this honey which ensure purity and quality. These include: the key markers of Leptosperin, DHA and Methylglyoxal.
The UMF® Quality Standard
Every batch of honey must go through a series of checks to ensure the ultimate in authenticity and quality.
All UMF® license holders are independently audited to meet stringent standards of production, manufacturing, sampling and handling. So when you see the letters UMF® you can be sure you’re buying 100% natural, Mānuka honey.
UMF® Science
The UMF Honey Association has a world-leading science programme that is focussed on identifying the unique signature compounds of genuine Manuka Honey, as a way of safeguarding consumers and the industry.
Decades of research have culminated to identify the unique signature compounds found in genuine Manuka Honey. With its unique properties, Manuka Honey (Leptospermum scoparium) has become one of the most researched honeys in the world. There is also a large body of international research which collectively provides consumers and fellow researchers with a wealth of information about this product.
KEY RESEARCHERS HAVE INCLUDED
Dr Terry Braggins, Analytica Ruakura, New Zealand
Dr Peter Brooks, Sunshine Coast University, Australia
Professor Yoji Kato, Hyogo University, Japan
Professor Rose Cooper, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Dr Russell Frew, Otago University, New Zealand
Professor Liz Harry, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Dr Kerry Loomes, Auckland University, New Zealand
Daniel Melonchelli, Sunshine Coast University, Australia
Professor Peter Molan, Waikato University, New Zealand
Professor Karl Speer, Dresden University, Germany
Dr Jonathan Stephens, Auckland University, New Zealand
Emeritus Professor Alistair Wilkins, Waikato University, New Zealand
Mossop’s Honey is a registered member of the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA).
UMFHA License No. 1021.
This number can be found on all of Mossop’s UMF® Manuka Honey labels &
product labels that contain UMF® Manuka Honey.