Uniform requirements for chocolate and chocolate products come into force in the EAEU

July 25, MINSK . Changes to the technical regulation of the Customs Union "On food safety" on the requirements for chocolate, chocolate products and cocoa products, adopted by the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission on November 25, 2022, came into force on July 25, BelTA learned from the EEC press service.

According to the new mandatory requirements, chocolate put into circulation in the EAEU must contain 35% or more of the total cocoa solids, including 18% or more of cocoa butter. Animal fats other than MILK fat are not permitted in the production of chocolate. But it is allowed to use cocoa butter equivalents and (or) SOS-type cocoa butter improvers, the total mass fraction of which in chocolate should not exceed 5%.

For the production of chocolate and cocoa products, it is not permitted to use flavors that mimic the taste and/or aroma of chocolate or cocoa products. For the production of milk, extra milk and white chocolate, it is not allowed to use flavors that imitate the taste and (or) aroma of milk or cream, milk fat.

Filled chocolate must contain 25% or more of the outer part of the chocolate separable from the filling. At the same time, chocolate with filling does not include bakery (including rich) products, FLOUR confectionery and chocolate-covered ice cream .

The established requirements are harmonized with the international standards of the Codex Alimentarius.

According to the decision of the EEC Board dated March 14, 2023 No. 30 on the procedure for the introduction of these changes (transitional provisions), within 24 months from the date of their entry into force, such food products can be produced and put into circulation in the EAEU in accordance with the mandatory requirements previously established by the technical regulations of the Customs Union "On food safety". Circulation of this product is possible within the expiration date set by its manufacturer.