Customers occasionally ask why the MGO value shown on our product page is higher than the value printed on the jar label. The answer is simple: this is completely normal and is a sign of genuine, independently tested Manuka honey.
Understanding the MGO Value on the Label
The MGO value printed on a Manuka honey label represents the minimum guaranteed concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO) in the honey.
For example:
- MGO 263+ means the honey contains at least 263 mg/kg of MGO.
- MGO 514+ means the honey contains at least 514 mg/kg of MGO.
- MGO 829+ means the honey contains at least 829 mg/kg of MGO.
The "+" symbol is important—it means "not less than."
The actual MGO level is often higher than the minimum stated on the label.
Why Is the Actual MGO Higher?
Manuka honey is a natural product, and every batch is unique.
Before packaging, each batch is independently tested by accredited laboratories in New Zealand. It is common for the laboratory analysis to show an MGO level that exceeds the minimum required for the UMF™ grade.
For example:
| Label | Minimum MGO | Actual Laboratory Result |
|---|---|---|
| UMF™ 15+ | 514+ mg/kg | 585 mg/kg |
| UMF™ 20+ | 829+ mg/kg | 938 mg/kg |
| UMF™ 22+ | 971+ mg/kg | 1,042 mg/kg |
| UMF™ 25+ | 1,200+ mg/kg | 1,285 mg/kg |
These higher values simply mean the honey naturally exceeds the minimum certification requirement.
As the example below illustrates, batch number 3147720 was independently tested and certified with an MGO level of 710 mg/kg and a UMF™ rating of 18.2. However, the jar label displays MGO 570+ and UMF™ 16+, indicating the minimum guaranteed certification values. The actual laboratory results exceed these minimum requirements, demonstrating the exceptional quality of this batch.
| 🧪 Laboratory Test | 🏷 Jar Label |
|---|---|
| UMF™ 18.2 | UMF™ 16+ |
| MGO 710 mg/kg | MGO 570+ |
| Actual measured value | Minimum guaranteed |
✓ Good news! The laboratory results show that this batch exceeds the minimum values printed on the label.
Why Don't Manufacturers Print the Exact MGO Value on Every Label?
Labels are designed to represent the certified minimum grade, not the exact laboratory result for each individual batch.
Because natural honey varies from batch to batch, printing the minimum certified value ensures the label remains accurate throughout the product's shelf life while meeting UMF™ certification standards.
The exact laboratory analysis is available through the batch-specific UMF™ Quality Certificate.
How to Verify Authenticity
Every genuine UMF™ certified Manuka honey can be independently verified through the official UMF™ Honey Association.
Simply:
- Visit www.umf.org.nz
- Select "Verify a UMF™ Licence" or the batch verification page.
- Enter:
- the manufacturer's licence number, and
- the batch number printed on the jar.
You'll be able to view the official UMF™ Quality Certificate for that batch, including the laboratory-tested MGO value and confirmation that the honey meets UMF™ certification standards.
Our Commitment to Transparency
At Manuka Canada, we believe our customers deserve complete confidence in the products they purchase.
Whenever available, we publish the actual laboratory test results for each batch on our product pages. These results often show MGO levels that are higher than the minimum value printed on the label, giving you additional assurance of the honey's quality and authenticity.