New quality requirements for products made of cocoa and chocolate, expected to ensure compliance with the European food safety and quality standards, began to operate in Ukraine on January 1, according to the EU Delegation to Ukraine.
According to the European standards, only a product that contains at least 35% of the total amount of cocoa is called chocolate.
Milk chocolate must contain over 25% of cocoa products and at least 14% of dairy products. The content of cocoa butter in white chocolate shall be at least 20%, while that of dairy products must exceed 14%.
“Unlike the requirements of the State Standard of Ukraine, which is voluntary, the European requirements are binding,” the EU Delegation wrote on Facebook.
If a product does not meet the European requirements, it shall be called a “sweet bar” or “glazed candy,” rather than “chocolate.”
Ukraine actively exports chocolate and its products to the EU countries. Chocolate exports soared by 35% in January-October 2017 alone, to $25.3 million. (UNIAN/Business World Magazine)
