Our Mānuka Honey Is Independently Certified Glyphosate Residue Free

The Story Behind Glyphosate-Free Certification and What it Means for You

Glyphosate has become one of the most widely used herbicides in global agriculture since the 1970s. Today, it is used as both a weed killer and a crop desiccant, which means it ends up in our food sources, water sources, and the wider environment.

How about honey? Does honey have glyphosate? At Comvita, we believe this agricultural chemical doesn’t belong in food, especially not in New Zealand Mānuka honey. Bees — who play a vital role in pollination and biodiversity — may be exposed to glyphosate residues when foraging.

That means bees may sometimes encounter glyphosate residues in the environment, which is why Comvita conducts strict testing. While the FAO and WHO state that glyphosate is “unlikely to pose a carcinogenic risk to humans from exposure through the diet,” we choose to take a stricter stance.

For us, glyphosate residue free honey is non-negotiable. 

Glyphosate in New Zealand

In New Zealand, glyphosate is still a widely used herbicide by some farmers. However, the country does not permit the production of genetically modified crops, which are often engineered to tolerate herbicides (linking them to increased glyphosate usage). Thus, levels of glyphosate tend to be much lower than in other parts of the world.

Our hives are carefully placed across the North Island in remote, natural environments, far from intensive farming. Mānuka trees flourish in wild landscapes, away from pollutants and environmental contaminants. This helps protect the purity of our honey.

Still, bees can occasionally come into contact with glyphosate in the environment.

That’s why we don’t just rely on location. We test. 

Our Glyphosate Testing Program

At Comvita, every single drum of raw honey is tested using a highly sensitive LC/MS method. Our testing protocol can detect glyphosate at levels as low as <0.01 parts per million — less than 1/1000th of a gram in 100 kg of honey. This ensures our honey contains no detectable glyphosate residues before it’s jarred and ready to enjoy. 

Beyond our own program, we partner with The Detox Project for independent verification. Their Glyphosate Residue Free certification means:

• Clear standards are set and maintained
• Regular batch testing and random spot checks occur
• Finished products are confirmed Glyphosate Residue Free at the retail shelf

This certification is an added layer of reassurance on top of our own stringent testing.

So if you want to know how to confirm honey meets strict glyphosate testing standards, you can be confident every jar of Comvita Mānuka Honey is independently certified Glyphosate Residue Free. 

You can learn about our bee welfare code here.

Key Takeaways

• Every batch tested: Comvita checks every drum of raw honey before production.
• Higher standards: Our threshold (<0.01 ppm) is stricter than international and EU glyphosate standards.
• Trusted certification: Verified by The Detox Project’s Glyphosate Residue Free program.
• Remote origins: Our hives are placed in remote locations across New Zealand, away from heavy pesticide use.

Why It Matters

Certified Glyphosate Residue Free honey provides an added layer of reassurance for purity and provenance. Glyphosate use is being studied worldwide for its potential impacts on both environmental systems and health, with research still ongoing. While it remains a widely used herbicide, we are committed to ensuring it never finds its way into Comvita honey.

Frequently asked questions

Does honey contain glyphosate?

Honey can sometimes be contaminated if bees forage in areas where glyphosate is sprayed. That’s why Comvita tests every single batch of raw honey to confirm it contains no detectable glyphosate residues before it’s packed into jars.

How do I know if honey is certified Glyphosate Residue Free?

Look for independent certification. Comvita Mānuka Honey is verified by The Detox Project’s Glyphosate Residue Free program, which includes regular testing and spot checks of products on retail shelves.

Is all Mānuka honey glyphosate residue free?

Testing practices can vary between producers. At Comvita, every batch of raw honey is tested using high-sensitivity LC/MS methods with a detection limit of <0.01 ppm. This ensures our Mānuka Honey is independently certified Glyphosate Residue Free by The Detox Project.

Is Comvita Mānuka honey glyphosate residue free?

Yes. Every jar of Comvita UMF™ Mānuka Honey is independently tested and certified by The Detox Project to contain no detectable glyphosate residues down to government-recognised limits.

Taste the Purity of New Zealand Mānuka Honey

From hive to shelf, we go above and beyond to provide authentic, certified Glyphosate Residue Free honey in Australia. Every jar of Comvita UMF™ Mānuka Honey is traceable back to its source and produced with care for bees, people, and the environment. 

Experience the purity of Comvita Mānuka Honey – certified Glyphosate Residue Free for your peace of mind.