Comprehensive Update on European Union Labeling Standards for Coffee and Its By-Products

In the European Union (EU), the labeling of coffee and coffee by-products adheres to comprehensive regulations aimed at ensuring product transparency and consumer safety. According to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011, the mandatory particulars that must appear on coffee labels include the name of the food, the net quantity, the date of minimum durability, and the name and address of the food business operator. For coffee by-products classified as novel foods—those not recognized within the EU prior to 1997—additional stipulations under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 require a rigorous approval process. This process involves a safety assessment and the possibility of a simplified notification procedure if the product has a history of safe use outside the EU. The already approved novel coffee by-product ingredients such as coffee leaves and cascara (dried coffee cherry pulp) must also adhere to specific labeling requirements, which dictate precise naming conventions and usage categories that align with safety standards and consumer information needs. These detailed labeling requirements are pivotal for maintaining the integrity of coffee products sold within the EU, ensuring that all items, from traditional coffee to innovative coffee by-product-based ingredients, meet the highest standards of safety and consumer information. This article describes from a practical perspective the labeling standards for coffee and coffee by-products, and points out challenges in the implementation of the regulations.

Proceedings: Kull, A.-K.; Lachenmeier, D.W. Comprehensive Update on European Union Labeling Standards for Coffee and Its By-Products. Proceedings 2024, 109, 19. https://doi.org/10.3390/ICC2024-17350