The Fruit Juices and Fruit Nectars (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2011

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations, which apply in relation to Wales, transpose Commission Directive 2009/106/EC amending Council Directive 2001/112/EC relating to fruit juices and certain similar products intended for human consumption (OJ No. L212, 15.8.2009, p.42).

Commission Directive 2009/106/EC makes two amendments to Council Directive 2001/112/EC (OJ No. L10, 12.1.2002, p.58). First, it makes a small linguistic change in relation to mixed juice products containing fruit juice and fruit juices from concentrate and to nectars obtained wholly or partly from one or more concentrated products, in order to alleviate translational difficulties across Member States of the EU. Second, it introduces a table laying down the minimum Brix levels for fruit juices from concentrate.

These Regulations amend the Fruit Juices and Fruit Nectars (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/3041 (W.286)), so as to—

(a) provide that a fruit juice from concentrate must contain the minimum Brix levels specified in Schedule 6, read together with the Notes to that Schedule (regulation 2(2) and the Schedule) (Brix levels provide a measure of quality by setting minimum soluble solids (sugar content) for fruit juices);

(b) make a small linguistic change to the labelling and description of mixed juice products containing fruit juice and fruit juices from concentrate, and of nectars obtained wholly or partly from one or more concentrated products (regulation 2(3));

(c) amend Schedule 1 (Reserved Descriptions For Designated Products) so that item 3 (Fruit juice from concentrate) of Schedule 1 cross-refers to Schedule 6 (Minimum Brix Levels For Fruit Juices From Concentrate) (regulation 2(4)(a) and the Schedule);

(d) amend Schedule 1 so that an incorrect reference within item 5 (Fruit nectar) is corrected (regulation 2(4)(b));

(e) add as Schedule 6 a new Schedule which provides 'Minimum Brix Levels For Fruit Juices From Concentrate' (regulation 2(5) and the Schedule).

A regulatory impact assessment has been prepared as to the likely costs and benefits of complying with these Regulations. A copy can be obtained from the Food Standards Agency, 11th Floor, Southgate House, Cardiff, CF10 1EW.