'Breakfast directives': MEPs want clearer labelling of honey, fruit juice, jam

The European Parliament has recently pushed for more transparent labeling on products like honey, fruit juice, and jam through what has been dubbed the "Breakfast Directives." The primary aim of these revisions is to provide consumers with clearer and more accurate information about the origin and content of these common breakfast items.

For honey, the new rules would require labels to list all countries from which the honey is sourced, not just the country where it was packaged the term “EU and no-EU countries”. This change is intended to combat fraud and ensure that consumers know exactly where their honey comes from, a concern that has grown due to the increasing prevalence of mislabelled honey products. Therefore a traceability system for the honey supply chain should be established to track the natural product. 

Similarly, fruit juices and jams will also see stricter labelling requirements. Reformulated juices are allowed to have low-sugar products. The origin of the fruit used must be clearly indicated on the front label, with countries listed in descending order according to their contribution to the final product. This move is particularly significant for products made from fruits sourced from multiple countries, ensuring transparency and enabling consumers to make informed choices.

These directives are part of broader efforts by the EU to enhance food safety, reduce fraud, and support healthier consumer choices. By ensuring that labels accurately reflect the contents and origins of these products, the European Parliament hopes to build greater trust in food labeling across the EU, ultimately benefiting both consumers and honest producers.