The European Coffee Federation (ECF) and the European Cocoa Association (ECA) have jointly published a new industry specification for jute bags and yarns. The standard applies to jute used as food-contact packaging for green coffee and cocoa beans destined for the European market, establishing a new benchmark for material safety.
This new specification is designed to replace the long-standing IJO98/01 standard. The move comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny within the European Union concerning mineral oil hydrocarbon (MOAH) contamination in food products. While the document notes that forthcoming EU limits on MOAH do not yet specifically apply to coffee, the new standard is positioned as a proactive measure to mitigate contamination risks throughout the supply chain.
For the coffee industry, the specification serves as a critical reference for reducing contamination risk through cleaner jute production, handling, and testing protocols. By providing a clear framework, the ECF and ECA aim to help producers, exporters, and importers ensure their packaging meets higher safety standards, thereby future-proofing their operations against potential regulatory changes and reinforcing consumer protection.