04.09.2026 11:10
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is preparing to change standards for fruit juices and nectars. The new draft bans the use of sweeteners in all fruit juices, while allowing the sale of fruit juices with natural sugar reduced by at least 30 percent. In fruit nectars, sweeteners may be used under certain conditions.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has prepared a new regulation regarding fruit juices and fruit nectars within the scope of harmonization efforts with European Union legislation.
The draft communiqué, opened for evaluation by sector representatives, introduces new standards on many issues, from the content of products to the use of sweeteners.
SWEETENERS WILL BE BANNED IN FRUIT JUICES
One of the most important provisions of the new regulation will concern the use of sweeteners in fruit juices.
According to the draft, the use of sweeteners will not be allowed in all fruit juices, including those produced in concentrated, puree, and powder forms. Thus, a clear line will be drawn regarding sweeteners for products marketed as fruit juice.
RULES WILL DIFFER FOR FRUIT NECTARS
A different practice will be implemented for fruit nectars compared to fruit juices.
In fruit nectars that do not contain added sugar, sweeteners may be used entirely instead of sugar. In nectars marketed as low-energy, replacing a certain portion of the sugar with sweeteners will be permitted.
Thus, the content and production standards between fruit juice and fruit nectar will be made more distinct.
PRODUCTS WITH 30% REDUCED SUGAR ARE COMING
With the draft, it is also planned to pave the way for a new product group on the shelves.
The production and sale of fruit juices whose natural sugar content has been reduced by at least 30% using special production methods will be allowed.
In the production of these products, preserving the essential characteristics of the fruit juice and providing accurate information to the consumer about the product's content will be fundamental.
REGULATION IS STILL IN DRAFT PHASE
It is important to note that the new rules have not yet come into force. The regulation prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is currently presented for the opinions and evaluations of sector representatives.
Once the draft is finalized and enters into force, it is expected that new standards will begin to be applied in the production of fruit juices and nectars.