Comparing Manuka Honey grading systems UMF, KFactor, MGS, MGO / MG and BioActive

Up until a few years ago, there were no grading regulations to help the confusion around Manuka Honey ratings. In 2018 the New Zealand government’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has introduced legal requirements for Manuka Honey labelling and with it definitions and standards for export Manuka Honey. Since then 5 attributes are needed to be fulfilled for Manuka Honey to be classified as such, which include 4 chemicals at a certain level as well as a DNA test: 

• 3-Phenyllacticacid
• 2’-Methoxyacetophenone (or 2-MAP)
• 2-Methoxybenzoic acid
• 4-Hydroxyphenyllactic acid
• DNA from Manuka pollen

The levels of those markers then determine whether the honey is classified as Monofloral or Multifloral Manuka Honey. The test results from the certifying lab must accompany the export documents for the Manuka honey ensuring that product packed in New Zealand is genuine.

This is the only government-regulated and approved standard for Manuka Honey in the world.

In addition to these requirements to be labelled Manuka Honey, there are several grading systems that also measure and grade the levels of the chemical markers Leptosperin, dihydroxyacetone(DHA) andMethylglyoxal or MGO (which is the active ingredient that is responsible for Manuka’sn on-peroxide activity or NPA). These chemical markers are those that are found to be so beneficial to our health. The best Manuka honey grading systems will focus on conveying the strength of the non-peroxide activity (NPA) of the honey. The reason for this is that high levels of NPA are only found in Manuka honey. So, if the honey has a high level of NPA, you can be confident that it’s genuine Manuka honey. The most commonly seen independent Manuka Honey grading systems include:

• UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor)
• MGS (Molan Gold Standard)
• KFactor
• Bio Active

Other numbers seen on labels that can be mistaken to be grading systems are:

• MGO (Methylglyoxal)
• NPA

These are in fact, not grading systems but measurements of markers in the honey. Because the amount of methylglyoxal is the primary factor that reflects Manuka Honey’s antibacterial strength, this is a reasonable measurement to determine quality Manuka Honey. MGO with less than MGO 100 don’t provide any antibacterial benefit. Higher grade Honeys above MGO 100+ are pure Manuka Honeys and with their known therapeutic qualities.

UMF™

The UMF™ or Unique Manuka Factor grading system is one of the best grading systems around. It is run by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA), which is a third party New Zealand organisation that oversees the use of the UMF trademark and honey quality testing. They also fund scientific research and continue to add to the body of knowledge around Manuka honey. There are two components which are expressed on any UMF honey product:

• The label claim that it is genuine Mānuka Honey.
• The UMF rating number i.e. 10+UMF.This represents the key markers of Manuka Honey including DHA and Methylglyoxal (MGO) to determine its NPA which is arguably the most reliable method. It also tests for leptosperin, a natural compound unique to Manuka, to assure purity of the honey.

 

MGS

The MGS (Molan Gold Standard) grading system references naturally occurring Methylglyoxal that is present in genuine Manuka honey. The Molan Gold Standard is tested and certified by an accredited laboratory under the ISO 17025 Standard. The MGS grading system is a trustworthy grading system with independent tests and auditing to ensure the honey’s purity and quality.   The MGS grading system establishes:  

• The label claim that it is Manuka
• The Methylglyoxal level is measured and shown on the label
• The Hydroxymethylfurfural level falls within the market guidelines
• The C4 sugar levels fall within the market guidelines
• The honey can be traced to the hive site(s)
• The honey has been processed in a NZ Government approved facility
• To receive a MGS grading, a honey must have the presence of Methylglyoxal. The MGS rating is a measure of the attributes and values that make up Manuka honey, and assures purity &quality.

   

KFactor™

The KFactor™ grading system was created and is only used by Wedderspoon. KFactor measures the amount of pollen in the honey but does not measure the antibacterial strength of the Manuka honey.

• KFactor 12 represents Multifloral Manuka Honey based on pollen count
• KFactor 16 represents Monofloral Manuka Honey based on pollen count

In addition, the KFactor includes the some other factors, naturally part of most Manuka honey production: Home-to-hive traceability, Raw& Pasteurised, non-GMO, NZ made and free of antibiotics, glyphosate & pesticides. Because pollen of Manuka, Kanuka and some other related species are identical, it is impossible to guarantee that KFactor rated honey is in fact Manuka Honey. This is an issue because Kanuka and other related species do not have the same NPA that Manuka does.   As KFactor does not measure NPA and the therapeutic quality of honey as well as the risk of being blended with Kanuka and other species, avoid relying on this grading system if you’re looking for quality Manuka honey.