European Coffee Federation Introduces New Regulations for Jute Bags – CoffeeTalk

The European Coffee Federation (ECF) and the European Cocoa Association (ECA) have introduced a new Industry Specification for jute bags and jute yarns used in food-contact packaging for cocoa and coffee supply chains. This update replaces the outdated IJO98/01 standard, which has dominated jute bag production in these sectors since 1998. Recent research utilizing advanced analytical techniques has highlighted the inadequacies of the previous standard in controlling mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbon (MOAH) contamination. The new specification addresses this gap and complies with evolving EU food safety regulations.

Key elements of the new specification include:

1. Chemical and Organoleptic Criteria: Establishes limits for mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and MOAH in jute bags and yarns for food-contact use.
2. Production Substance Requirements: Mandates that all substances used in production, such as batching oils, emulsifiers, lubricants, and printing inks, be food-grade and safe for contact with food.
3. Standardized Procedures: Specifies sampling and testing procedures that are in line with EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) analytical guidelines.
4. Contamination Control: Outlines requirements for contamination control and segregation throughout the production and handling processes.

Migration studies for determining chemical limits were performed using a cocoa matrix. For coffee, this specification serves as an important preliminary reference due to the structural similarities between the cocoa and coffee supply chains and the lack of coffee-specific maximum limits in forthcoming EU regulations. Adopting these specifications ensures adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices in producing jute suitable for food contact.

Read More @ ECF