A study published in August 2015 (1) assessed that the global average intake was 38 ml per day of 100% Pure Fruit and Vegetable juice. The highest intake was in New Zealand at 197 ml per day.

Consumption of fruit and vegetables play an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle It is generally accepted that there is a lack of fruit and vegetable consumption. 100% pure juice is a convenient way to consume one of the  recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetable per day as recommended by the WHO and many National governments. 

Juice compositions are similar to that of fruit and vegetables and contain most substances found in the original. Vitamin C is found in significant quantities in a range of juices, which is necessary for the body. In addition juices may contain a variety of essentialmicronutrients and phytochemicals such as polyphenols. Juices are naturally low in sodium, cholesterol and fats which can have a negative impact in the diet.

This is explained further in the IFU document “Juice nutrition and health, a 

summary”.

100% pure juices will only contain natural sugar that has come from the fruit. No other sugar is added.

An international organisation called the Codex Alimentarius sets international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice that contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of international food trade. 

Directly there is the general standard for fruit juices and nectars. Codex general standard for fruit juices and nectars, codex stan 247-2005. It defines what constitutes a juice including limitations on processing so the essential characteristics of a juice are maintained. 

In addition there is the code of practice for the prevention and reduction of patulin contamination in apple juice and apple juice ingredients in other beverages.

Other standards and codes of practice are also relevant such as labelling, additives, 

contaminants and hygiene for example.

IFU has observer status in Codex Alimentarius. It is the only NGO (non-government organisation) that can represent the international juice industry there.

Juices are defined in the codex standard 247. 100% juices fortified with active substances (other than vitamins and minerals allowed for juices) may be considered as a drink/beverage and are covered by specific national regulations or standards.

They are usually mixtures of juices and purees making them thicker than juices on their own. When they are just mixtures of fruit juices and purees they are 100% juices. 

However some smoothies may can contain other ingredients such as dairy products. These will be declared on the label.

Some juices (e.g. Blackcurrant, sour cherry etc.) are not palatable in their natural state due to either high acidity or astringency. They can be sweetened slightly and sold as a nectars as defined in the codex standard.

Test methods to determine the authenticity and quality of fruit juices are listed in the codex standard for juices. The corresponding IFU test method where it is exists is listed. To facilitate international trade then standardized methods will help determine the correct quality of materials traded between parties and reduce the risk of trade disputes due to analytical error.

An annual subscription for the methods can be obtained via the IFU website. Members receive a substantial discount for the Methods so it is more cost effective to join the association and obtain the methods that way.

As a subscriber then you will be automatically notified of any changes. This is only available to subscribers and IFU members.

Please down load an application form and return to the IFU where it will be processed and you will be contacted.

Juices are acidic and will contain naturally occurring sugars. Moderate consumption as part of a balanced diet coupled with good dental hygiene, such as brushing teeth with a fluoridated tooth paste will help minimise any impact.

An extensive global study on juice consumption published in August 2015 (1) concluded that between 1990 and 2010 changes in juice consumption at the regional level were not statistically significant and showed little relationship with mean BMI (body mass index).

Please contact John Collins (Executive Director)

john@ifu-fruitjuice.com

call +44 7850 910989.

We also welcome active members with the appropriate experience andqualifications. Please contact John Collins at the IFU office.

john

@ifu-fruitjuice.com

When the IFU was founded in 1948/9 it was called Internationale Fruchtsft-Union (International Fruit Juice Union) = IFU. Later this name was changed to International Federation of Fruit Juice Producers.

Today we are happy to also include and represent Vegetable Juices as well as all players in the Juice Industry under the new Name of International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association otherwise known as IFU.