Medical-grade honey: its definition and refined standards
Linsey J. F. Peters, Juraj Majtán, Dimitris Mossialos, Piotr Szweda, Cristina Mateescu, Ferhat Ozturk, Frank A. D. T. G. Wagener, Niels A. J. Cremers
Abstract
The surge in the use of honey in modern medicine, driven by concerns over escalating antibiotic resistance, places an unprecedented emphasis on the need for medically safe and effective honey. In response, the term 'medical-grade honey' (MGH) emerged, accompanied by stringent criteria. However, the evolving landscape of honey authenticity challenges and new medical device regulations demand a comprehensive revision of MGH criteria and a refined definition. This article provides a clear definition of MGH and refines its standards. MGH must be: organically produced; undergo gamma sterilisation; adhere to clinical safety benchmarks; meet production standards; and meet specific physicochemical criteria, affirming its suitability for medical use. Furthermore, the authors advocate for proven biological activity in MGH, including antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, vital for medical efficacy. This paper also sheds light on significant regulatory shifts introduced by the European Union's Medical Device Regulation, enhancing device safety while demanding increased investment in terms of cost and effort. In summary, the presented refined guidelines ensure secure, effective honey use in medical contexts, reaffirming MGH's role in modern healthcare.