Jute Bags

To address the problem of contamination of jute bags by mineral hydrocarbon batching oil, the IOCCC published a methodology for testing of mineral oils in bags. Trial testing of jute bags is now being carried out.

The FCC introduced a clause in its rules and has issued advisory note to members in March 1999.

In June 1999, the IOCCC developed specifications for "Sacks Made of Jute and Sisal Fabric for food contact types" - IOCCC 136-46. The specification has been endorsed by the ICCO and all parties are urged to assist with its proper implementation.

Members who store cocoa for considerable periods of time need to exercise particular caution since the testing of the bags by industry may take place months or years after the cocoa is first placed within the jute bag.

[The Federation is consulting with jute bag manufacturers, exporters and industry to find a solution to this complex issue.] where are we on this?

The ICCO Council decided on 13 March 1998 to approve the following International Standard Specifications for Jute Bags in the packing of cocoa beans:

1. Analytical criteria: the ingredients used as batching oils shall be non-toxic and approved for use in packing materials that will come into contact with food materials. Batching oils shall not contain compounds that could produce off-flavours or off-tastes in food material packed in jute bags.
2. Chemical criteria: the amount of unsaponifiable compounds shall be less than 1250 mg/kg. The recommended methods shall follow British Standard 3845:1990 on methods for the determination of added oil content of jute yarn, rove and fabric. Subsequent saponification shall be done according to the methodology described in WG 1/90 of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).
3. Oganoleptic criteria: jute bags shall be analysed for their olfactory qualities. No undesirable odours or odours untypical of jute shall be present. No unacceptable odours shall develop after artificial ageing of the bags. The ageing procedure to be followed shall be the one described in European Standard EN 766 on bags for the transport of food aid.