Last updated on 24 January 2004

Jam and Similar Products Regulations 2003 Guidance Notes

The Jam and Similar Products Regulations came into force in England on 31 December 2003 and separate analogous legislation was put in place in January 2004 in Northern Ireland and in March 2004 in Wales and Scotland.

The guidance aims to provide practical advice for businesses and enforcement bodies with the aim of achieving a consistent application and enforcement of the regulations.

An revised version of this guidance was published on 24 January 2005. It is available from the link below.

About the regulations

The regulations implement EC directive 2001/113 relating to fruit jams, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree intended for human consumption. In addition, the new SI continues with additional national measures to control mincemeat and fruit curds, not covered by EC rules.

More information for consumers

The new requirements though broadly similar to previous rules, will mean consumers will be provided with more information :

  • In line with new allergen labelling rules the SI will make it mandatory to declare residual sulphur dioxide in the list of ingredients, where it is present at levels greater than 10mg/kg. Sulphur dioxide may be present in some raw fruits where it is has been to protect the natural colour or aid preservation.
  • The upper and lower limits for the soluble solids content of reduced sugar products have been reduced to 50% and 25% respectively but is representative of the products currently on the market.
  • There is a closed list of additional ingredients and treatments for use in jams and similar products.

Guidance Notes

The guidance describes the main requirements of the new regulations and set out the major differences between the new regulations and those in operation since 1981.

They have been produced with the aim of providing informal, non-statutory advice and the text should not be taken as an authoritative statement or interpretation of the law as only the courts have this power.

Hard copies of the guidance notes can be obtained from Richard Wood on 020 7276 8154 or at the link below.

Copies of the new regulations can be obtained from the Stationery Office (Tel. 0870 600 5522) or viewed on their website.

The relevant regulations are:

  • The Jam and Similar Products (England) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/ 3120)
  • The Jam and Similar Products Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (SI2003/ XX)*
  • The Jam and Similar Products (Scotland) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/XX)*
  • The Jam and Similar Products (Wales) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/XX)*

* To be put in place by March 04

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