Producers of two favourite UK preserves – lemon curd and mincemeat – can breathe more easily today.


EU farm commissioner Franz Fischler has denied there is any truth in reports that a new directive on fruit jams, jellies, marmalades and chestnut purée would prohibit the use of the terms lemon curd or mincemeat on packaging, the European Voice reported.


Lemon curd is a soft paste made from lemons, sugar, eggs and butter (but no curd) and is used as a spread or filling. Mincemeat is a mixture of dried fruits and spices (but no meat) usually used to fill mince pies at Christmas