Understanding the UMF Quality Assurance System
In the world of Manuka honey, the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) Quality Assurance System stands out as a hallmark of quality and authenticity. Developed by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA), this system ensures that consumers are getting genuine Manuka honey with all its unique properties and benefits.
What is UMF?
UMF is a quality mark that indicates the purity and quality of Manuka honey. It is based on four key markers that are unique to authentic New Zealand Manuka honey:
MGO FOR POTENCY
Methylglyoxal, to give it its full name, is the source of golden mānuka honey’s special antibacterial properties and an important potency measure. The higher the MGO, the stronger the concentration of MGO. The UMF™ guarantee means that you can be sure that Mānuka honey bearing the UMF™ mark contains the special activity.
Is MGO equivalent to UMF™?
No, UMF™ is a more comprehensive measurement of the quality factors that matter when assessing the quality of a mānuka honey product. MGO is one of four factors measured to ensure consumers around the world get a pure potent genuine New Zealand mānuka honey product that will meet their needs and expectations.
LEPTOSPERIN FOR AUTHENTICITY
Leptosperin is a compound found only in mānuka flower nectar and can only be created by nature. Measuring this unique component ensures the authenticity of mānuka honey. Laboratory research also shows leptosperin content has anti-inflammatory properties that increase as the UMF™ scale rises.
DHA FOR SHELF LIFE
Dihydroxyacetone (as it’s known to us) is slowly converted to MGO in healthy living honey. The higher the DHA content, the longer the life of the MGO content in your mānuka honey – which is why the best mānuka honey must have more than 70 mg/kg DHA to be UMF™ certified.
HMF FOR FRESHNESS
We test for hydroxymethylfurfural, since this long-named compound assures honey has not been overheated or stored too long, and is in the best condition to maintain the unique blend of living properties in mānuka honey as promised by your favourite supplier.
Our comprehensive laboratory network tests all mānuka honey products before they leave New Zealand to guarantee their effectiveness.
How Does the UMF Quality Assurance System Work?
The UMF Quality Assurance System involves several key steps to ensure the authenticity and quality of Manuka honey:
- UMF Grading: Manuka honey is tested for its levels of Leptosperin, DHA, and MGO. Based on these levels, it is assigned a UMF grade, indicating its purity and quality. The higher the UMF grade, the higher the quality of the honey.
- UMF Certification: Only honey that meets the strict standards set by the UMFHA can carry the UMF quality mark. This certification ensures that consumers can trust the authenticity of the honey they are buying.
- Batch Testing: Each batch of UMF-certified honey undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it meets the UMF standards. This includes testing for purity, potency, and authenticity.
- Traceability: UMF-certified honey can be traced back to its source, ensuring transparency and accountability in the supply chain.
The Benefits of UMF-Certified Manuka Honey
- High Quality: UMF-certified Manuka honey is of the highest quality, ensuring that you get all the unique benefits of Manuka honey.
- Authenticity: The UMF quality mark guarantees that the honey is genuine and meets the strict standards set by the UMFHA.
- Potency: UMF-certified Manuka honey contains high levels of MGO, making it a potent natural remedy for a variety of health issues.
- Traceability: With UMF-certified honey, you can trace the honey back to its source, ensuring transparency and accountability in the supply chain.
The Importance of UMF Certification
UMF certification is a guarantee of the quality and authenticity of Manuka honey. Only honey that meets the stringent standards set by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) can carry the UMF quality mark. This certification provides consumers with confidence in the product they are purchasing.
Understanding UMF Ratings
UMF ratings range from 5+ to 20+, with higher numbers indicating a higher concentration of the key markers and a more potent honey. Here is a brief overview of UMF ratings and their significance:
- UMF 5+ to UMF 9+: These are considered low to medium UMF ratings and are suitable for general consumption and everyday use.
- UMF 10+ to UMF 15+: These are medium to high UMF ratings and are recommended for therapeutic use and specific health benefits.
- UMF 15+ and above: These are high UMF ratings and are sought after for their potent antibacterial properties and therapeutic benefits.
The UMF Quality Assurance System is a testament to the commitment of the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association to providing consumers with the highest quality Manuka honey. By choosing UMF-certified honey, you can be sure that you are getting a genuine product that meets the strict standards set by the UMFHA.
