The Glyphosate Controversy and Bee Contamination
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide designed to kill weeds in agriculture, forestry, and even residential gardens. While effective for weed control, its widespread application poses a risk for environmental contamination. Bees, being natural foragers, can fly several kilometers from their hives to collect nectar. If a hive is located near farmland, parks, or roadsides where glyphosate has been used, the bees may collect nectar from treated plants. Even if a beekeeper never uses pesticides, their hives can still be affected by spray drift or the bee's foraging habits.
Research has explored the potential health and environmental risks of glyphosate, though there is ongoing debate. The World Health Organization's cancer research arm classified glyphosate as a 'probable carcinogen to humans' in 2015, while other regulatory bodies maintain it is unlikely to pose a risk when used as directed. Regardless of the varying scientific interpretations, many consumers prefer to avoid the chemical, especially in a premium health product like manuka honey.
Evidence of Glyphosate in Manuka Honey
Despite New Zealand's reputation for pristine landscapes, tests have shown that glyphosate contamination can occur. In July 2020, reports from independent sources like The Detox Project highlighted that tests by New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) had found traces of the weed-killer in a portion of New Zealand honey samples. A more recent independent testing series in August 2025 by No More Glyphosate NZ found detectable levels in five out of seven New Zealand honey samples, including some premium manuka brands. While the levels detected were within New Zealand's domestic maximum residue limits (MRLs), they would have failed the much stricter standards of importing countries like Japan. The presence of any detectable residue, even if deemed safe by some standards, is a concern for consumers seeking an unadulterated product. Producers are responding to this by testing rigorously and sourcing from remote locations.
How to Find Truly Glyphosate-Free Manuka Honey
As a consumer, you are not powerless in this situation. The market has evolved to offer solutions for those who prioritize purity. Here are key strategies to ensure you are purchasing a product that has been verified glyphosate-free:
- Look for Certified Seals: Seek out third-party certifications like the 'Glyphosate Residue Free' certification from The Detox Project. Brands that are certified voluntarily submit their products to rigorous testing to ensure they are free of glyphosate down to government-recognized limits of detection.
- Choose Certified Organic: Manuka honey certified organic by a recognized body (like BioGro NZ) guarantees that the honey is produced without synthetic pesticides or herbicides like glyphosate. Organic apiaries often have a buffer zone preventing contamination from agricultural spraying.
- Check for Transparency: Reputable brands often provide batch-specific test results. Look for a QR code or batch number on the jar that allows you to access third-party lab reports confirming the absence of glyphosate and other residues.
- Consider Remote Sourcing: Research honey companies that specifically source their manuka from remote, untouched regions of New Zealand, far from intensive farming. The placement of hives away from agricultural activity significantly minimizes the risk of bee exposure to contaminants.
Comparison: Certified Glyphosate-Free vs. Conventional Manuka Honey
| Feature | Certified Glyphosate-Free Manuka Honey | Conventional Manuka Honey |
|---|---|---|
| Sourcing | Hives are placed in remote, pristine, and often wild-foraged areas, far from agricultural land. | Hives may be located in areas closer to or impacted by agricultural activities and general land use. |
| Testing | Rigorous batch-level testing by independent, accredited laboratories for glyphosate and often other residues. | Subject to basic New Zealand government MRLs, but not necessarily tested to stricter international or voluntary standards. |
| Certification | Carries a specific 'Glyphosate Residue Free' seal from a third-party certifier like The Detox Project. | May lack specific third-party verification for glyphosate and instead relies on general food safety standards. |
| Traceability | Provides full transparency, allowing consumers to trace the honey's origin and view specific test results via a QR code or online. | Traceability may be limited, offering less specific information on the hive location or testing data. |
| Risk of Residue | Negligible; guaranteed to be below a set detection limit, often stricter than regulatory standards. | Small but measurable risk of containing trace amounts of glyphosate residue. |
| Price | Often at a higher price point due to more stringent sourcing, testing, and certification processes. | Generally lower in price, especially for non-UMF graded options. |
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Manuka Purity
In conclusion, the question of whether manuka has glyphosate is not a simple yes or no. While the manuka plant itself is not the source of contamination, the risk of residue from the environment is real due to the wide use of the herbicide. However, consumers can navigate this issue by making informed choices. The key is to look for reputable brands that prioritize transparency and invest in independent certifications like 'Glyphosate Residue Free' or organic status. These certifications provide the necessary assurance that the honey has been tested and verified to be free from detectable levels of the herbicide. By supporting brands committed to purity, consumers can enjoy manuka honey with greater confidence, ensuring its high quality and integrity are maintained from hive to home. For consumers concerned about sourcing and contaminants, relying on certified products is the best path forward.
How to Check Manuka Honey for Glyphosate Residues
- Check the label for a 'Glyphosate Residue Free' certification. This is the most direct way to identify verified clean products.
- Look for certified organic manuka honey. Organic standards prohibit the use of glyphosate and require apiaries to be placed away from conventional farming.
- Scan the QR code on the jar. Many premium brands offer batch-specific lab test results for public viewing, often including glyphosate testing.
- Visit the brand's website. Companies that prioritize purity will proudly display their certifications and testing protocols online.
- Confirm the honey's New Zealand origin. While not a guarantee of purity, it is essential for authentic manuka, as all export honey must meet certain standards.
Authority Outbound Link
Conclusion: Navigating Purity Concerns
The presence of glyphosate in manuka honey is not a myth, but it's a controllable factor. While it highlights a broader environmental concern regarding pesticide usage and bees, it doesn't mean all manuka honey is contaminated. The responsibility falls to consumers to seek out brands that are transparent and dedicated to providing a truly pure product. Choosing honey with reputable third-party certifications, checking for traceability, and supporting sustainable beekeeping practices are all effective ways to ensure you receive a glyphosate-free product. This approach not only provides peace of mind but also encourages a healthier and more sustainable food system for all.
What are the potential health concerns regarding glyphosate in honey?
Concerns over glyphosate in honey stem from the ongoing debate about the herbicide's effects on human health, with some agencies classifying it as a potential carcinogen. While the trace levels found in honey are often below regulatory limits, many consumers prefer to avoid any potential exposure, especially in a natural health food product.
How does glyphosate enter honey if beekeepers are not using it?
Bees are diligent foragers that can fly several kilometers from their hives to find nectar. Even if a beekeeper never uses glyphosate, their bees can be exposed to spray drift from nearby farms, parks, or roadsides and bring traces of the chemical back to the hive.
What is the Glyphosate Residue Free certification?
This is a voluntary third-party certification program, like that offered by The Detox Project, that tests products for glyphosate residue down to very low detection limits. Brands that earn this seal provide consumers with verified proof that their products do not contain detectable levels of the herbicide.
Do all manuka honey producers test for glyphosate?
No, not all producers test for glyphosate. Testing is an additional, voluntary step taken by brands that prioritize purity and want to provide a verified glyphosate-free product. Standard government regulations for honey may not require testing for this specific residue.
Is organic manuka honey automatically glyphosate-free?
Certified organic honey is guaranteed to be free from glyphosate and other synthetic pesticides, as organic standards prohibit their use. This is a reliable way to ensure you are purchasing a clean product.
Why do different countries have different acceptable levels of glyphosate in honey?
Different countries and trading blocs (like the EU) have varying regulations and Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for food products. This has historically caused issues for Manuka honey exports, as some countries have much stricter standards than New Zealand's domestic limits.
What is the easiest way for a consumer to ensure their manuka honey is glyphosate-free?
The easiest way is to look for a third-party certification seal, such as 'Glyphosate Residue Free' or a recognized organic certification. These marks provide independent assurance of purity without requiring you to interpret test results yourself.
