politics

UK marmalade may need relabelling as 'citrus marmalade' under proposed EU food deal

A post-Brexit SPS deal could require UK producers to change marmalade labels if Britain re-aligns with updated EU food regulations to ease trade.

Apr 3rd 2026 ยท United Kingdom

Insights

  • EU rules change will allow non-citrus spreads to be labelled 'marmalade' from June.
  • Citrus-based preserves would need to be marketed as 'citrus marmalade' under the new rules.
  • The proposed sanitary and phytosanitary agreement would readopt EU food rules to reduce trade paperwork and may trigger relabelling.
  • Sir Keir Starmer plans a bill to give ministers powers for dynamic alignment with EU law on food standards and related areas.
  • Ministers say exporters already follow EU rules and the deal would include UK input on covered decisions, while critics warn it risks surrendering control over UK law.