Steps for Origin Tracing and Reducing Sugar Consumption by the European Union

The European Union is Taking Steps to Trace Origin and Reduce Sugar Consumption.

2001/110/EC, 2001/112/EC, 2001/113/EC and 2001/114/EC. Amendments have been made to the Council Directives on Honey, Fruit Juices, Jams and Dairy Products No. These changes, which include special rules on tracking and labeling the countries of origin of products in order to increase food traceability from farm to table, also include accurate marketing targets by tracking consumer habits and perceptions within the scope of the directive.

Within the scope of the regulations, fruit juices; In particular, the protein obtained from sunflower seeds, which is widely used in its production, must be added to the list of permitted processes and substances. The protein obtained from sunflower seeds is used for direct human consumption and as an effective tool for clarifying fruit juices. With the changes made to reduce sugar consumption, it is planned to define a new product category for fruit juices with reduced natural sugar content. While the sugar reduction amount is determined as 30%, the use of sweeteners and substitutes in these products will not be allowed.

In the production of jam, marmalade and jelly, it is aimed to reduce the amount of added sugar in order to reduce sugar consumption and thus encourage the use of more fruit. Additionally, studies will be carried out on the inclusion of concentrated fruit juices in jam production technologies.

The most detailed changes have been made in honey;

New Labeling Rules

Considering the consumer's interest in the geographical variety of honey, the European Union decided to review the honey origin labeling rules within the scope of the changes it made. Within the scope of the Farm to Fork Strategy, it was stated that the country or countries of origin of honey should be stated on the label for purposes such as protecting the effective functioning of the internal market and providing consumers with the opportunity to make informed choices about the origin of their food.

Flexibility and Standard Rules

In order to provide flexibility in the process of stating the origin of honey on the label, it will be sufficient to indicate only the four largest shares as a percentage for honey mixtures with more than four different countries of origin. This rule can be followed as long as they represent more than 50% of the total, while the remaining countries of origin will be listed in descending order.

Honey Adulteration and Harmonized Analysis Methods

The necessity of developing harmonized analysis methods to detect adulteration of honey; The Commission came up with coordinated control plans when a high percentage of honey offered on the European Union market was suspected of being adulterated. Thus, the European Union will transfer to the Commission the competences regarding the development and application of such analysis methods, with reference to Directive 2001/110/EC.

Quality and Transparency

The changes taken to protect the consumer are especially important to ensure transparency and quality. Information on the botanical and geographical origin of honey gives important clues about the origin and quality of honey. Regulations to be made by the European Union; It includes criteria for determining the floral, herbal or geographical origin of honey and procedures to ensure that pollen is not removed significantly by preventing enzyme deactivation of honey.

Results and Applications

With these regulations, which will increase consumer confidence by ensuring quality and reliability at every stage of the supply chain and strengthen fair trade practices, it is aimed to prevent fraud about the origin and quality of honey and to provide accurate information to consumers.

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