Shortageofsunfloweroilleadstoproblemsinfoodlabeling

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Mar 25, 2022 - Foods

Shortageofsunfloweroilleadstoproblemsinfoodlabeling

Due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, there is currently a shortage of raw materials, especially sunflower oil.

The Food Association described in a letter to the BMEL that new packaging material without references to sunflower oil could not be procured at short notice, which could lead to mislabeling. The association requested responsible enforcement and asked for general declarations such as "vegetable oils" or "vegetable oils (sunflower, rapeseed, soybean) in variable weight proportions" to be accepted even if sunflower oil were to be completely omitted.

However, a legislative amendment cannot be implemented so quickly since it would have to be carried out at the EU level.
It is important to ensure that no declarable allergenic substances are processed due to the recipe change in case of recipe modifications.

In its letter to the top food control authorities of the states, the BMEL requests the control authorities and public prosecutors to responsibly use the existing leeway and to carefully examine it when exercising their duties.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct labeling checks. We provide you with fast and reliable results.
Our customer advisors are very pleased to assist you with any questions.

Sources:
•    Letter from the BMEL to the authorities
•    Letter from the BMEL to the Food Association