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    Remaining Shelf Life for Imported Food Products - Ethiopia
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    Remaining Shelf Life for Imported Food Products - Ethiopia

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    Remaining Shelf Life for Imported Food Products
    Ethiopia

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    Version Number
    Content Creation Date
    		Publishing DateSection(s) Updated & Reason(s) for Update
    V0
    7 Nov 2023
    		23 Oct 2024N/A (new report)
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    1.  Minimum shelf life remaining when food products arrive in the destination country 

    Requirements for the labeling of food in Ethiopia are laid down in Standard CES 73: 2013. In this standard, Article 4.7.1 specifies that food items intended for direct human consumption that do require a shelf life must enter the country with a minimum of 60% of its shelf life remaining. Food additives and semi processed goods must enter with minimum 50% of shelf life:

    2.  Minimum shelf life remaining of food products sold in the country 

    As seen above, it is not authorized to sell a product who has passed its shelf life. However, there is no minimum set for food products sold in the country.

    Note: the following products do not require to have an indication of shelf life: 

    • fresh fruits and vegetables, including potatoes which have not been peeled, cut or similarly treated;
    • wines, liquor wines, sparkling wines aromatized wines, fruit wines and sparkling fruit wines;
    • beverages containing 10% or more by volume of alcohol;
    • bakes or pastry cooks; given the nature of their contents, are normally consumed within 24 hours of their manufacture
    • vinegar
    • confectionary products consisting of flavored and/or colored sugars; and 
    • chewing gum. 

    3.  Food industry guidelines/best practices for remaining shelf-life rules 

    There are no industry guidelines on minimum remaining shelf life for products sold in the country. 

    Conclusion
    1. Ethiopian legislation sets the following minimum remaining shelf life for products when they enter the country:
      • Food items intended for direct human consumption: minimum 60% shelf life remaining. 
      • Food additives and semi processed goods: 50% of shelf life remaining.
    2. There is no legal criteria nor industry guidelines regarding minimum shelf life for product sold in the country.

    4. References

    1. CES 73: 2013 General standards for prepackaged foods - Labelling 

    http://www.ethiostandards.org/

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