The European Fruit Juice Association (AIJN) has released a set of industry guidelines and codes of practice aimed at helping juice producers comply with EU legislation and meet consumer expectations. The guidelines complement existing EU fruit juice directives by covering aspects of processing and bottling not fully addressed by law, such as quality, authenticity, hygiene, and traceability. AIJN's Code of Practice, which includes reference guidelines for 27 fruit and vegetable juices, is recognized by the European Commission as a model for self-regulation and is referenced in the European Fruit Juice Directive.
This initiative follows recent EU efforts to enhance consumer protection and regulatory clarity in the food sector. On April 9, 2026, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted existing EU legislation and coordination for protecting coeliac patients, emphasizing harmonized labeling and standards for gluten-free products. That response came after a parliamentary question by Stefano Cavedagna (ECR) calling for greater EU-level coordination. Von der Leyen's answer reaffirmed the Commission's preference for maintaining current regulatory harmonization while leaving financial support and healthcare delivery to member states.
Also on April 9, reports emerged that Dutch supermarkets sell meat products with up to 40% undisclosed plant-based ingredients, raising concerns about consumer transparency. The AIJN's guidelines aim to prevent similar issues in the juice sector by ensuring clear labeling and authenticity.
The AIJN relies on the Union of European Juice Control Systems (EJCS) to conduct market controls across the EU, ensuring compliance with legal and industry standards. The guidelines provide a uniform basis for evaluating juice quality and authenticity, offering the industry a foundation for sound operating practices. Stakeholders impacted include juice producers, who benefit from regulatory clarity but may face compliance costs; national authorities, who gain a reference for enforcement; consumers, who receive better product assurance; and EU regulatory bodies, which see industry self-regulation complementing legislation.
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