Boterwet

Dutch law regulating butter production

Overview

The Boterwet is a legislative act in the Netherlands that regulates the production, sale, and labeling of butter. Enacted to ensure quality and prevent fraud, the law establishes standards for what can be marketed as butter, distinguishing it from margarine and other butter substitutes.

Historical Context

The Boterwet was introduced in response to the increasing production of margarine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As margarine became more popular due to its lower cost, there was a need to protect consumers and dairy farmers by clearly defining what constituted real butter. This law was part of a broader movement across Europe to regulate food products and ensure consumer protection.

Provisions of the Boterwet

The Boterwet outlines specific criteria that must be met for a product to be labeled as butter. These include:

• The product must be made exclusively from milk or cream.
• It must contain a minimum percentage of milk fat, typically around 80%.
• The use of artificial coloring or flavoring is prohibited.

The law also mandates that butter and margarine be clearly labeled to prevent consumer confusion. This includes specific packaging requirements and labeling standards.

Impact on the Dairy Industry

The implementation of the Boterwet had significant implications for the dairy industry in the Netherlands. It helped stabilize the market for butter by ensuring that consumers could trust the quality and authenticity of the product they were purchasing. This, in turn, supported dairy farmers by maintaining demand for real butter.

Modern Relevance

While the Boterwet was initially enacted in the early 20th century, its principles remain relevant today. With the rise of various butter alternatives and spreads, the need for clear labeling and quality standards continues to be important. The law has been updated over the years to reflect changes in production techniques and consumer preferences.

Related Legislation

The Boterwet is part of a broader framework of food regulation in the Netherlands, which includes laws on dairy products, food safety, and consumer protection. Other related laws include the Zuivelwet (Dairy Law) and the Warenwet (Commodities Act), which together ensure comprehensive oversight of food products.

Related Pages

• Margarine
• Dairy farming in the Netherlands
• Food safety
• Consumer protection

A typical Dutch street where traditional butter might be sold