Parliament backs stricter rules for fruit juice labels
December 20, 2011 11:02 AM
Euro MPs have voted to put in place stricter rules on the composition of fruit juices and better labelling guidelines which will substantially improve the quality of fruit juices on sale across the EU.
The move follows concern that many strawberry juices or smoothies being marketed actually contain more apples than strawberries, while some other 'juice' contains large amounts of additional sugar or sweeteners.
County Lib Dem Euro MP Liz Lynne supported the proposals as a way of helping consumers.
"I am delighted that in the future putting extra sugar in drinks labelled as fruit juice will be banned.
"It will no longer be possible to market a product on the basis of only a minor ingredient if the juice is actually made up mostly by a completely different fruit.
"For many consumers with health issues such as diabetes and allergies it is vitally important to clearly state what has been put in their drinks."
The new rules will come into force after a transition period of 18 months and will apply to all juice products regardless of whether they are produced in the EU or imported from elsewhere.
ENDS
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