World meat industry news

The Ministry of Agriculture of Russia has introduced a draft aiming to amend the technical regulation of the Customs Union "On Meat and Meat Products Safety" (TR TS 034/2013) in regards to the labeling policy of meat products. The document was published for public discussion in the regulations section on the ministry’s website.

The draft will set out maximum allowable deviations in the content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as in energy content of meat products, including baby food to be indicated on the label. Permitted deviations should be set out depending on mixed content of meat products and possible differences in test results, the explanatory note reads. Permitted deviations may account to up to 20% of the values indicated on the label.

For instance, if it is indicated on the label that the amount of protein per 100 grams of product is 17 grams, then its actual content should not be lower than 13.6 grams per 100 grams. Likewise, with the fat content. If it is indicated on the label that the amount of fats per 100 grams of product is 18 grams, then the fat content per 100 grams of product should not exceed 21.6 grams.

This policy is currently being used in the USA. The U.S. regulators do not make any claims if the product contains more protein and less fat than indicated on the label.

“The proposed amendments to the technical regulation aim to ensure that the industry operates normally, and is working in the health interests of consumers,” the document says.

According to the draft, the changes will come into force 180 days after its approval. Products that are still within the expiry date before the amendments will come into force are permitted for sale.