New Zealand: Honey Production

Multiplex qPCR for detection of Leptospermum scoparium DNA from pollen in honey.

DNA is extracted from pollen present in honey and then tested using a multiplex qPCR assay (ManKan TM honey test) to detect the levels of Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) DNA. This method was developed and validated by dnature diagnostics & research Ltd and Scion Research as part of the Ministry for Primary Industries Mānuka Honey Science programme. The assay is one of the key tests that is used to verify authenticity of monofloral and multifloral Mānuka honey.