Guidance notes on jam and similar products
(for England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
Enter your postcode in the field at the bottom of this page to see if your local authority trading standards department has the full leaflet version available on its website.
The labelling and composition of jam and similar products (including marmalade) is controlled by the Jam and Similar Products (England) Regulations 2003. Jams made using certain types of fruit have ‘reserved descriptions’ which can only be used in the labelling of the product if it has been manufactured to the criteria as set out in the Regulations.
The Regulations also contain a list of permitted additional ingredients and treatments. There are requirements for specific labelling stating the fruit and sugar content.
There are also general labelling requirements which must be adhered to under the Food Labelling Regulations 1996, and jams, jellies and marmalades must be made up in quantities prescribed by the Weights and Measures (Miscellaneous Foods) Order 1988.
