Methylglyoxal (MG), a phytochemical present in some New Zealand honeys, was found to possess bactericidal activity against S. aureus and a methicillin-resistant strain of S. epidermidis. The MIC and MBC values were 1.05 and 2.11 mM, respectively. Inclusion of MG in a hydrogel resulted in an active and stable preparation suitable for treating wound or burn infections.