Labelling guidelines to provide consumers with accurate information of what constitutes manuka-type honey have been introduced by the government.
Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
The guidelines aim to ensure New Zealand is producing quality manuka honey that is labelled accurately and meets requirements in overseas countries and with consumers.
The Ministry for Primary Industries has been working with scientists and the industry and looking at 11,000 examples of honey to ensure labels tell the truth about the product.
Assoc Immigration Minister Nikki Kaye. Photo: NATIONAL PARTY
Food Safety Minister Nikki Kay said during the past decade, a number of statements have been made regarding the definition of manuka honey.
She said there was a range of complex issues due to different statements on labels and evolving science on manuka honey.
Ms Kaye said it was important that New Zealand improved labelling to protect the brand and the integrity of the country's labelling systems.
The Ministry for Primary Industries will be working with honey companies to help them comply with the new labelling guide.
