Breakfast Directive 2024/1438 Will Affect Dairy Products, Fruit Juice, Honey, and Jam

Recent amendments to the so-called Breakfast Directive by the European Union (EU) substantially influence several food categories, including dairy, jam, honey, and fruit juice. The Commission Implementing Regulation, which creates the Union list of novel foods and offers detailed information about approved novel foods, their maximum levels, usage guidelines, labeling specifications, and requirements for different food categories, includes the following amendments:

Jams

The modifications set maximum amounts for specific components found in jams, marmalades, and other fruit spreads. At the same time, the new minimum fruit content criteria will be for goods labeled as jam. For example, the level of zeaxanthin in jams and marmalades is restricted to a maximum of 11.3 g/kg. This constitutes a regulation to ensure the nutritional composition of these products and defines such for the entire EU. For example, ​​when making jams and jellies from noni fruit puree and concentrate, the maximum allowable levels of noni fruit puree and concentrate shall not exceed 133 g per 100 g of the final product, based on the concentration of these raw materials prior to any processing for the preparation of the final 100 g product." At the same time, the new minimum fruit content criteria will be for goods labeled as jam.

Fruit Juice

The amendments also impact fruit juices and nectars, which set maximum amounts for specific components. For instance, 2.5% is the maximum zeaxanthin allowed in fruit and vegetable juices. Thanks to this regulation, fruit juices are guaranteed to retain their nutritional content and include safe amounts of additional nutrients. Furthermore, 1.1% is the maximum amount of partially defatted chia seed powder added to fruit and vegetable juices and nectars. Standardizing fruit juice's nutritional composition is a necessary step that helps guarantee that consumers are getting safe and wholesome goods.

Dairy Products

The changes greatly influence dairy products since different constituents have different maximum limits set for them. For example, the maximum amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) allowed in dairy products (apart from milk-based drinks) is 200 mg/100 g, and the highest amount allowed in cheese products is 600 mg/100 g. By guaranteeing that dairy products have acceptable amounts of extra nutrients, these rules enhance the health and well-being of consumers. Furthermore, 2.1 microgram (μg) per 100 g is the maximum amount of vitamin D2 allowed in dairy products and their counterparts that aren't drinks. By taking these steps, the nutritious content of dairy products is preserved, and their ability to satisfy customers' dietary requirements is guaranteed.

Honey

The amendments to the EU Breakfast Directive have introduced stricter origin labeling for honey products. This change aims to increase transparency and combat honey fraud by clarifying the labeling of the countries of origin. The updated directives ensure that consumers can make more informed choices and trust the authenticity of the honey they purchase. These measures are crucial for maintaining consumer trust and ensuring that honey products meet high quality and safety standards. The EU marketing standards for honey have also been revised, with measures to prevent food fraud and increase transparency regarding the origin of honey products included. This is especially significant for honey blends, as the new regulations will clearly label the countries of origin, promoting transparency and thwarting honey fraud.

Food markets have changed dramatically due to innovation, consumer demand, and social concerns. In light of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) and the European Commission's Farm to Fork (F2F) Strategy, this Directive aims to address those changes. These actions demonstrate the EU's dedication to upholding strict guidelines for food safety and advancing the health and welfare of its citizens. The proposed changes to the EU's Breakfast Directives, which cover honey, fruit juices, jams, and milk products, could affect intra-EU trade, EU exports to Asia, and non-EU imports into the EU. The updated guidelines seek to modernize and harmonize standards within the EU single market, allowing for the free movement of certain food goods. However, stricter origin labeling regulations for honey may make it more difficult for producers to combine honey from several nations, affecting trade flows within the EU. The updated rules also apply to EU imports, which may affect non-EU suppliers.