What MGO actually measures

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound measured in Mānuka honey. An MGO result is reported as a concentration, commonly in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), which is numerically equivalent to parts per million for this purpose.

A label such as MGO 400 is generally intended to communicate a stated minimum concentration of 400 mg/kg. The underlying laboratory report and the rules of any certification or grading scheme remain the authoritative context. The number is not a score out of a maximum and does not, by itself, establish an outcome.

How MGO forms

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) occurs in the nectar of Leptospermum species and can convert to methylglyoxal over time. Temperature, storage and the starting composition of the honey influence that change, so MGO and DHA are better understood as measured batch parameters than permanent brand attributes.

MGO, NPA and proprietary grading systems

MGO and non-peroxide activity (NPA) describe different measurements. MGO is a chemical concentration. NPA is a laboratory activity measure. Proprietary marks may apply additional criteria, but their labels should not replace access to the underlying specification and report.

  • Read MGO as a measured methylglyoxal concentration in mg/kg.
  • Read NPA as a separate laboratory activity measure, not an interchangeable unit.
  • Check the requirements of any proprietary or association mark directly with its owner.

The Australian context

Australian Mānuka honey is associated with nectar from Australian Leptospermum species. The Australian Manuka Honey Association publishes analytical and traceability criteria for its own marks. Those criteria are useful context, but a buyer should still verify the exact mark, batch, report and origin evidence presented for the product offered.

How to read an MGO grade on a specification

A grade becomes commercially useful when it is precise, batch-specific and supported by a report that can be matched to the goods.

  • Is the MGO result stated in mg/kg and linked to the offered batch?
  • Does the analytical report show the sample identity, result, unit, date and testing organisation?
  • Is the grade quoted in the commercial material consistent with the batch documentation?
  • Are claims limited to the measurement and scheme requirements, without unsupported health or therapeutic language?

SELVEH intends to present analytical measures plainly and only against the final product and batch. No MGO grade or related certification is being claimed for the launch collection at this development stage.

Primary references

This article is general information for commercial product literacy. It is not legal, regulatory, scientific or medical advice, and it does not certify any SELVEH product or batch.