Milk, jam, honey and fruit juice… European legislators are coming to the breakfast table to improve labeling rules on products consumed in the morning by millions of consumers.
An agreement was reached Tuesday evening by the European Parliament and the Council, which represents the States, on four so-called "breakfast" directives, intended to strengthen consumer information.
On honey, the labeling must mention the countries of origin, in descending order for blended products.
The Commission will be empowered to detect adulteration of honey with sugar or check that the product is not overheated before being sold.
For jam, a minimum ratio of 450 grams of fruit per kilo, instead of 350 grams previously, is now required, and 500 grams for “extra” jams.
Fruit juices will be classified into three new categories: “reduced sugar fruit juice”, “reduced sugar fruit juice from concentrate” and “concentrated reduced sugar fruit juice” to allow consumers to choose drinks with 30% less sugar.
Finally, labeling is simplified for milk, with the distinction between “evaporated” milk and “condensed” milk being removed.
These directives must now be transcribed into national law within eighteen months.
The objective is to fight against counterfeiting and deception about the origins of products sold in Europe.