Module 02: Compositional Standards in Food
This live webinar offers a practical look at the key compositional standards for food and drink in the UK, helping industry professionals understand how they apply across different categories. It also explores UK–EU regulatory divergence and its impact on product development, labelling, and trade.
- Session Title: Introduction to the Compositional Standards of Food and Drink
- Presenter(s): Amanda Seddon,ÌýFood Regulation Consultant (Presenter Profile).
- Delivery: This is a 4-hour Specialist Live Webinar, delivered via Microsoft Teams (including 1-2 short breaks).
- BCCFR Course: This Live Webinar session is delivered as part of the Business Certificate of Competency in Food Regulation (BCCFR) 6-month course; it is also available to book as a Standalone Session by people not attending the full course.
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Module Overview
This session provides a detailed exploration of the key compositional standards that apply to food and drink in the UK, with a focus on practical understanding for industry professionals. Participants will learn the purpose of compositional standards, how they are applied across different categories, and the implications of divergence between UK and EU requirements.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Identify the main UK compositional standards relevant to regulated foods.
- Understand the rationale behind these standards and their role in consumer protection and fair trade.
- Apply knowledge of specific regulations to product development, labelling, and compliance.
- Recognise areas where UK and EU rules diverge and assess implications for trade and labelling.
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Outline of this Training Session
Part 1: Introduction to Compositional Standards (30 mins)
- Definition and purpose of compositional standards.
- Historical context and the role of Codex, EU law, and UK retained legislation.
- Enforcement and compliance responsibilities.
Part 2: Core UK Food Compositional Standards (2 hours)
Focus on the most significant UK standards, due to their breadth of application and regulatory importance:
- Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/141)Ìý– mandatory fortification (iron, calcium, thiamine, niacin), permitted treatments, exemptions.
- Cocoa and Chocolate Products (England) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/1659)Ìý– definitions, minimum cocoa solids, vegetable fat use, product naming.
- Jam and Similar Products (England) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/3120)Ìý– minimum fruit and sugar requirements, reserved descriptions.
- Spirit Drinks Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/3206)Ìý– legal definitions (whisky, gin, vodka, etc.), minimum strength, geographical indications.
- Milk and Milk Products (Protection of Designations) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/3242)Ìý– reserved descriptions for milk, butter, cheese, cream, yogurt.
- Meat Products (England) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/2075)Ìý– minimum meat content, reserved descriptions (sausages, burgers, pies).
Other notable examples (covered briefly for awareness):
- Honey (England) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/1348)Ìý– purity and compositional requirements.
- Coffee and Chicory Extracts (England) Regulations 2000 (SI 2000/3323)Ìý– minimum dry matter content, labelling.
- Fruit Juices and Fruit Nectars (England) Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/2775)Ìý– juice vs. concentrate, added sugars, reserved descriptions.
- Case-specific reserved descriptions (e.g., ice cream under the Food Labelling Regulations pre-2014 context).
Part 3: UK / EU Divergence (45 mins)
- Areas of alignment vs. divergence post-Brexit.
- Case examples: flour fortification (UK plan to add folic acid), spirit drinks GI protection, permitted additives.
- Implications for businesses trading with both UK and EU markets.
- Managing dual compliance: best practices.
Part 4: Discussion and Q&A (30 mins)
- Common challenges in applying compositional standards.
- Sharing experiences from different sectors (manufacturing, retail, food service).
- Open floor for participant questions.
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Learning Outcomes
Participants will leave the session with:
- A solid grounding in theÌýcore UK compositional standardsÌýshaping the food industry.
- Direct reference points to the key statutory instruments underpinning regulation.
- Practical knowledge to support compliant product development and labelling.
- Awareness of areas of divergence between UK and EU requirements.
- Strategies to manage compliance risks when working across markets.
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Booking Information
- Available Live Webinar Dates: tbc (select date on the booking page).
- Module Fee: The cost of this individual training module is £250 +VAT (multiple module/attendee discounts are available). Please follow the link (below) to book your place or request further information.Ìý
- Non-BCCFR Attendees: If you are not attending the Business Certificate of Competency in Food Regulation (BCCFR) 6-month course, this training module is available as a Standalone Session.
Book your place on this Live Webinar (booking link tbc)
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