Regular readers will know that I am passionate about the quality of traditional jams, jellies, marmalades, curds and mincemeats. DEFRA is intending to revise the Jam and Similar Products (England) 2003 Regulations. Their consultation for the revision ends on 22nd May. Two Statutory Instruments have been drafted, one of them will take effect later this year.The permitted sugar levels for jams, jellies and marmalades will be reduced either from 60% to 50% or from 60% to 55%.
The government prefers a reduction to 50%. Additional de-regulatory measures are suggested to remove the UK national limit for “reduced sugar jam” and to remove the national provisions for curds and mincemeats.
The consumer is clearly protected by the current regulations. A product labelled as Jam, Jelly or Marmalade must have 60% sugar and consequently should have the traditional characteristic quality of these British preserves. Reduced Sugar jams have to be labelled as such which should alert the consumer to the fact that it is a different product.
The new regulations, if adopted, are likely to mislead consumers.We may lose jewel coloured jams, crystal clear jellies and glowing marmalades; Continue reading The Death of Jam and Similar Products? Jam Regulations !
