EXPLANATORY NOTE
These Regulations, which apply to England and Wales only, come into operation on 1st July 1977. The Regulations implement Council Directive 76/621/EEC relating to the fixing of the maximum level of erucic acid in oils and fats intended as such for human consumption and in foodstuffs containing added oil or fat.
The Regulations restrict the erucic acid content of oil or fat and of food to which oil or fat has been added. In relation to any oil, fat or food manufactured before 1st July 1979 the limit is 10%, calculated on the fatty acid content of the oil or fat component, and, in relation to any oil, fat or food manufactured after that date, the limit is 5%, similarly calculated.
The Regulations do not apply to oil, fat or food intended for export, to food which contains not more than 5% oil or fat unless it is described as specially prepared for infants or young children, to food intended for manufacturing or catering purposes or to food manufactured before 1st July 1977.