Serbia food quality regulation updates

The Serbian Ministry of Agriculture has introduced new regulations to increase the minimum fruit content in jams, jellies, marmalades, preserves, and sweetened chestnut puree. The policy aims to improve nutritional quality and align with European Union food standards regarding healthier diets.

Under the new standards, the minimum fruit requirement for one kilogram of standard jam will rise from 350 grams to 450 grams. For products labeled as ‘extra jam’, the requirement increases to 500 grams per kilogram. The regulations also provide specific thresholds for certain fruits, such as red and black currant, rosehip, and quince, and define marmalade specifically as a citrus-based product. For preserves (pekmez), added sugar is now limited to a maximum of 25 percent of the total fruit quantity.

While the regulation officially entered into force in October 2026, the government has implemented a transition period. Full application is delayed until January 1, 2028, to allow manufacturers to adjust production processes. Products made under the previous standards may remain on the market until June 30, 2028.