BOOK REVIEW Manuka Honey A new definition for mānuka honey will safeguard the industry from cowboy operators and protect New Zealand’s trade reputation, the Ministry for Primary Industries says. YUMMY EASY QUICK 127 dinners that take 30 minutes or less to prepare by Matt Preston (MacMillan, $39.00, available now) He’s been part of our foodie lives for so long that Matt Preston feels like a family friend. MasterChef Australia judge, food writer, television personality…it’s no wonder that familiarity breeds trustworthiness. Preston has appeared in seven series of the ratings juggernaut – a staggering 180 million people have watched him over the years – let alone those who watched Celebrity MasterChef, Junior MasterChef and MasterChef Allstars, as well as MasterChef: The Professionals. If you didn’t get a copy of his latest offering in your Christmas stocking, run out now and buy it. Using his signature approach, Preston says becoming best friends with your freezer and pantry is effortless and can be a bonanza of ingredients for quick, no-fuss family cooking. The layout is roomy and easy to understand, and the food simply delectable. ALEX GATES from Mexican Supplies will receive a copy of this book. www.foodtechnology.co.nz 33 Derived from testing hundreds of plants and honey samples, the definition will enable honey to be tested for five markers – four chemical and one DNA – before it can be sold overseas. “This is an important step in safeguarding the value of our mānuka trade and our reputation for selling high-quality products that are what they say they are,’’ Minister for Primary Industries Damian O’Connor says. “Our trade partners and consumers in many countries want to know they are getting the real deal and this definition will provide them that assurance. If we didn’t introduce this standard, then other countries may have forced one on us.’’ MPI has already filed charges against a company and two people, alleging offences in relation to adulteration of honey. O’Connor says the definition will “help stop that kind of activity, which undermines our reputation across the whole food export chain. I ask the industry to keep working with us to protect this valuable product and ensure its future.’’ HOW DID IT COME ABOUT …MPI EXPLAINS 1. What is the scientific definition for mānuka? The final scientific definition for mānuka honey is made up of a combination of four chemical markers derived from nectar and one DNA marker from mānuka pollen. The combination of markers will allow industry to separate mānuka honey from other types of honey and identify honey as either monofloral or multifloral mānuka honey. Industry will need to test all its manuka honey to ensure it is authentic before exporting it. 2. How was the definition developed? MPI dedicated significant resources into a three-year science programme and had extensive industry and public consultation to ensure the final definition is right. MPI funded eight pilot projects to identify a suitable approach for the science programme; collected and tested nectar, leaf and pollen samples from more than 700 plants; collected and tested more than 800 honey samples from the past seven years; collected and tested more than 20 different honey types; analysed the data using a range of complex statistical models; and had its analysis independently reviewed by international experts. 3. What happens now? Now the final definition is reached, MPI has issued new export requirements, which take effect from February 5, 2018. Under these, all mānuka honey for export must be tested to ensure it meets the new scientific definition and businesses will be verified (or checked) on a regular basis to ensure they are following the rules. The new requirements will also strengthen traceability across the honey supply chain. Beekeepers will need to register with MPI and keep detailed records of all the honey they produce and the location of their hives, and will have to provide documentation with each batch of honey. 4. Was industry consulted? During consultation, MPI held eight public meetings throughout the country and received 120 formal submissions. MPI delayed its decision to give industry time to provide its data and science. Unfortunately, industry was not able to provide scientific evidence that was robust enough to support its definition. More information on MPI’s scientific definition for mānuka honey can be found on MPI’s website -www.mpi.govt.nz/ growing-and-harvesting/honey-and-bees/manuka-honey/
FT-eMag-feb18
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