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University of Waikato - Honey Research Unit
Because the enzyme in honey that produces hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by heating and exposure to light, unpasteurised honey should be used, and it should be stored in a cool place and protected from light. If it is necessary to warm honey to liquefy it, it should be heated to no more than 37°C. If it is considered necessary to sterilise honey, this can be done by gamma-irradiation without loss of antibacterial activity. Gamma-irraddiated manuka honey is available commercially. (In none of the clinical reports of use of honey on wounds was the honey used sterilised. No case of infection resulting from the use of honey has been reported.)