Starting June 14, 2026, new European Union regulations will enforce stricter labeling and quality standards for honey, jams, and juices across member states, including Poland, to prevent consumer deception.
The Objectives of the Breakfast Directive
The so-called “breakfast directive” aims to increase transparency regarding food composition, limit the possibility of deceiving consumers, and promote higher quality products. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development emphasizes that these regulations are designed to help customers make more informed purchasing decisions.
Stricter Standards for Honey Production
The most significant changes concern honey. New regulations aim to eliminate the sale of certain filtered honeys that were previously offered as full-value products, as intensive filtration can remove essential enzymes and flower pollen.
The changes will also hinder the sale of “artificial honeys.” Labels must precisely indicate the country of origin, including percentage breakdowns for blends sourced from multiple countries.
New Requirements for Jams and Juices
The directive extends to jams and jellies, increasing the minimum amount of fruit required for their production. Changes will also apply to juices, expanding technologies that limit sugar content.
Producers may use the term “low-sugar fruit juice” if at least 30% of naturally occurring sugars are removed using approved methods. However, sweeteners cannot be used to influence the final taste, consistency, or quality of the juice.
Implementation Timeline and Legal Basis
These changes stem from Directive (EU) 2024/1438, published on May 24, 2024. The regulation covers honey, fruit juices, jams, jellies, marmalades, and certain dairy products.
Member states must implement the directive by December 14, 2025, with the new rules becoming mandatory on June 14, 2026. From that date, producers must align their product compositions and labeling with EU requirements.