On Friday 21 April, the European Commission adopted proposals to revise marketing standards for a number of agri-food products, such as fruit and vegetables, fruit juices and jams, honey, poultry and eggs. In particular, it proposes the compulsory indication of each of the countries of origin (Member States and third countries) of honey.
“The proposed revisions should help consumers make more informed choices for a healthier diet and contribute to prevent food waste”, the Commission argues.
Indication of origin. Clearer and mandatory origin labelling rules are proposed for honey, nuts and dried fruit, ripe bananas and trimmed, processed and cut fruit and vegetables (such as packaged salad leaves). In the case of mixtures, the country or countries of origin should be indicated on the label. Country of origin labelling will improve transparency for consumers and should also promote the production of these products in the EU.
Food waste. The proposed revisions relate to food waste and packaging waste. For example, ‘ugly’ fruit and vegetables (with external defects, but still suitable for local/direct consumption) sold locally and directly by producers to consumers would be exempt from meeting marketing standards. Valuing them in their ‘fresh’ state could provide consumers with more opportunities to buy fresh fruit and vegetables at more affordable prices and benefit producers active in short supply chains. Some products affected by natural disasters or other exceptional circumstances may also be sold if they can be safely consumed.
Packaging. Products intended for donation may be exempt from the main labelling requirements. This will reduce administrative and labelling formalities and therefore facilitate operators’ donation commitments.
Fruit juice. Fruit juices may be labelled ‘no added sugar’ to clarify that, unlike fruit nectars, fruit juices cannot, by definition, contain added sugar. In addition, in order to meet the growing consumer demand for low-sugar products, a reformulated fruit juice may be labelled ‘reduced-sugar fruit juice’. In order to further simplify and accommodate consumer tastes, the term ‘coconut water’ may now be used alongside ‘coconut juice’.
Jams. The fruit content of jams will be increased from 350 grams to a minimum of 450 grams (550 grams for extra quality) per kilo of finished product. The term ‘marmalade’, previously allowed only for citrus jams, may now be used for all jams to allow the product name to be adapted to local practices.
Eggs. Solar panels can now be installed in outdoor areas used in free-range egg production systems. This will increase the supply of energy from renewable sources. Egg marking would also be carried out directly on the farm in order to improve traceability.
The proposals on fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs and poultry are covered by delegated and implementing acts.
Those concerning jams, marmalades, fruit juices and honey will follow the ordinary co-legislative process (directives).
On the same day, the Commission also adopted a report (https://aeur.eu/f/6h0 ) on new marketing standards for cider and perry, as well as for dried leguminous vegetables and soya beans.
Link to the proposals: https://aeur.eu/f/6gx (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)