"We have decided to take more time to fully consider the alternative definition industry provided during consultation," director systems audit, assurance and monitoring, Allan Kinsella said.
"We will ask the industry to provide all the data and methodology that supports the definition they are proposing so it can be fully considered.
Kinsell said MPI's focus had always been on ensuring the rules for exporting of manuka honey are based on a robust and accurate scientific definition.
"These final rules will give other governments and consumers' confidence in the authenticity of New Zealand mānuka honey."
Developing a robust scientific definition for manuka honey has never been attempted by any other regulator in the world.
Kinsella said it was a complex task. “We have undertaken a careful and thorough science programme over 3 years to get to this point. We are not prepared to rush it and we just want to take the time to get it right.”
