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Amendments to technical regulation for meat and meat products come into force from April 7
The amendments adopted by Decision No. 98 of the Eurasian Economic Commission's Council dated September 27, 2023, correct the requirements set in the technical regulation of the Customs Union On Safety of Meat and Meat Products (TR CU 034/2013) concerning information on the nutritional value of slaughter products and meat products indicated in the labeling.
The relevance of the amendments is due to the fact that meat of slaughter animals and slaughter products, including those used as raw materials, are characterized by natural heterogeneity in protein and fat content.
The amendments set permissible deviation limits of actual values of the nutritional substance content (nutritional value indicators) from those specified in the labeling: protein must be not less than 80% of the value specified in the labeling; fat, carbohydrates, energy value (caloric value) must not be more than 120% of the values specified in the labeling.
For example, if an average protein value of 17 g (100%) per 100 g of product is indicated in the labeling of meat products, the actual protein value, taking into account the new requirements, must not be less than 13.6 g (80%) per 100 g of product. With an average fat value of 18 g (100%) per 100 g of product, the actual fat value must not be more than 21.6 g (120 %) per 100 g of product.
A similar approach is stipulated by the requirements of the technical regulation of the Eurasian Economic Union On Safety of Poultry Meat and Poultry Products (TR EAEU 051/2021), effective from January 1, 2023.
Valentin Tataritsky, Minister in charge of Technical Regulation of the Eurasian Economic Commission, notes that the amendments are aimed at solving problems related to controlling the content of nutritional substances, taking into account the features of raw materials and specifics of the meat processing industry, as well as to prevent actions that mislead consumers by discrepancies in the actual values of protein, fat, carbohydrates and caloric content, specified in the labeling. According to Valentin Tataritsky, introduction of new requirements will have a positive impact on the business environment in the Union countries.
Decision No. 15 of the Board of the Commission dated March 5, 2024 sets out a transitional period. It is stipulated that documents on conformity assessment of slaughter products and meat products, in respect of which amendments have been made, issued or adopted before April 7, 2024, are valid until the end of their validity period. Production and release into circulation of these products are allowed until the expiration of such documents; circulation of products is allowed within the shelf life established by the manufacturer.
