Government Bans Sugar as Additive in 'Juice' Category of Beverage
It will not directly affect the whole range of products such as nectars and juice drinks, or even one made from a tart domestic berry, but the Cabinet today introduced a regulation that makes the juice designation free of added sugar.
The regulation transposes the requirements of an EU directive, the Agriculture Ministry said.
As of October 28, manufacturers will not be allowed to add sugar to juice, juice concentrate, juice made from concentrate or dehydrated juice.
There's one exception - juice made from sea-buckthorn, a popular orange-yellow berry that is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
As before, 15 grams of sugar per liter can be added to sea-buckthorn juice to improve the flavor of the highly tart drink.
The selection of juice on store shelves is usually far outstripped by the number of juice drinks and nectars, some of which are domestically produced and which do contain added sugar.
And wholesalers with backstock need not worry: previously manufactured products can continue to be marketed until April 28, 2015.