The guidelines for the labeling of jam, honey and fruit juices are now on the table. The so-called breakfast guidelines were adopted on Tuesday in the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, France. There was agreement among the delegates on this issue.
In concrete terms, this concerns the labeling of the origin of jam and honey. Previously, manufacturers could label their glasses with the words ‘from EU countries’ or ‘from non-EU countries’. The result: adulterated honey on the market.
The majority comes from China. An EU study found that of 320 samples, 147 had been diluted with sugar syrup and other sweeteners. In the future, consumers must be able to see at first glance where their product comes from.
Also critical of the breakfast guidelines
522 yes votes, 13 no votes and 65 abstentions voted in favor of revising the breakfast guidelines in the EU Parliament on Tuesday. The FPÖ abstained from voting. ÖVP MP Angelika Winzig also did not cast a vote, contrary to the party line.
“From an economic perspective, the rules adopted today for origin labeling are excessive and lack any practical utility. In Austria there are not the necessary quantities of fruit for further processing. The level of self-sufficiency is well below 40 percent,” said the Upper Austrian.
Details of the future directive: In case the honey or fruit used comes from more than one country, MEPs require that the countries of origin be listed on the label in descending order, depending on their share in the final product.
Jam can be called jam again
And then comes another innovation that made people shake their heads 22 years ago. “It is the end of British oppression,” jokes ÖVP MP Alexander Bernhuber. “The jam can be called jam again.” More than twenty years ago, the EU decided that preserved fruit should be called jam. Reason: In English, the word marmalade is used for jam made from citrus fruits. The British would translate our jam as jam. The German name jam is almost misleading for the English consumer. After leaving the EU, no more attention will be paid to the islanders.
Alexander Bernhuber is confident that this regulation will be adopted by the Council before the EU elections. The politician can imagine a concrete implementation in one to one and a half years.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
