There are many UMF Manuka honey in the markets. There are researches done by Waikato University in New Zealand and the University of Auckland which identify that there are additional antibacterial and antibiotic properties, not found in normal honey, but found in some Manuka honey that helps in digestive disorders, stomach ulcers, wound healing and leg ulcers. Therefore, these UMF labeled honey are selling at high price. But do you know what else does the label means?

UMF® Manuka honey contains antibacterial properties additional to the presence of the enzyme glucose oxidase. This second factor is called the “Unique Manuka Factor”.

UMF® is the trade mark of the Active Manuka Honey Association Inc. of New Zealand. The trade mark can only be used on honey that has the specific non-peroxide activity which has the beneficial antibacterial and healing properties.

And this mark is only available to licensed users. AMHA has 48 members and 32 of the members hold a separate license to use the UMF trademark. Some licensees sell the honey to other parties and although the label is not that of the AMHA licensee, it should have the licensee number on the label. You can check the side of the label for an AMHA licence number: - AMHA Licence No.____ The licence number can then be checked against the names of the listed AMHA licensees on the AMHA website.

The labeling of UMF® Manuka tea tree honey will also show the strength of the Unique Manuka Factor.

The UMF® numbers (UMF 20+, UMF15+, UMF 10+, etc.) come from a standard laboratory test of anti-bacterial activity, with the honey being compared with a standard antiseptic phenol, (also known as carbolic) for potency.

For example, a honey with a UMF® rating of 10+ would be equivalent to the antiseptic potency of 10% solution of phenol, as used as carbolic disinfectant; a honey with a rating of 15+ would have a potency equivalent to a 15% solution of phenol.

Genuine UMF Manuka Honey complies with all five of the following criteria:
1. It has the name UMF clearly stated on the front label.
2. It is packed into jars and labelled in New Zealand
3. It is from a New Zealand company licensed to use the name UMF.
4. It has the UMF licensee’s name on the front label.
5. It has a rating of UMF10 or more.

I bought my Manuka Honey.. yeah.. Check out the licence No…