There are different ways in which the terms medical grade or
pharmaceutical grade can be perceived, particularly when
referring to honey. Most Manuka honey that is sold in retail
stores is table grade. However, some might refer to active
Manuka honey as medical grade to differentiate it from inactive
honey. Another perception of medical grade honey pertains to
honey (usually Manuka honey) that has been gamma irradiated,
classifying it as sterile. Referring to honey (Manuka or
otherwise) as being sterile can be somewhat confusing. The term
sterile is defined as being free of germs or microorganisms.
Despite the FDA’s refusal of recognizing honey of any kind as
being antimicrobial, scientific evidence suggests that it is.
However, the potential for botulism spores in some honeys makes
gamma irradiation a process that some feel is necessary in order
to refer to it as being truly sterile. Since honey is heat-
sensitive, gamma irradiation is the only way to sterilize it
without diminishing its properties. However,