Serbia introduces new quality regulations for jams and preserves

Serbia has introduced a new regulation regarding the quality of jams, marmalades, and preserves, mandating a higher minimum fruit content. Under the new rules, the minimum amount of fruit required to produce one kilogram of jam will increase from 350 grams to 450 grams. For products categorized as ‘extra jam’, the minimum fruit content must be at least 500 grams.

Branislav Raketić, Head of the Department for Labeling, Food Quality, and Organic Production at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that the decision was made to increase fruit content rather than directly limiting added sugar. This approach aims to improve nutritional quality while maintaining the structural stability and shelf life of the products, as sugar also plays a functional role in production.

Raketić noted that this move aligns with European Union food policies focused on healthier, more sustainable diets and the reformulating of products high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. He emphasized that increasing the fruit share naturally reduces the necessity for added sugar from external sources.