The government has provided further clarification about issues relating to selling flour and flour-containing products in the UK and the EU post-Brexit.
The key update from Defra, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA), regards Northern Ireland and their requirements, after the end of the transition period, on the levels of fortification in flour.
It has been confirmed that the current situation, that flour and products containing flour should meet the requirements of the BFR for the UK's national market, including Northern Ireland, will remain.
The update also clarifies rules when selling on the EU market, namely: “If flour produced in UK is fortified in accordance with the BFR and is intended for the EU, or is used in products intended for EU markets, it must also comply with all applicable requirements in the country of destination”.
This means that both the level of nutrients added (minimum 15% NRV) and the EU purity criteria for the calcium carbonate must be fulfilled in order to comply with EU rules.
Defra now intends to consult on the mutual recognition exemptions contained within the BFR, and the levels of fortificants, as well as the possibility of adding folic acid to the list of statutory fortificants. The first consultation is expected to be launched in the coming weeks.
