Brussels, 01/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - The use of flavouring substances in foodstuffs should be safer and more transparent thanks to two regulations, adopted by the European Commission on Monday 1 October to clarify and harmonise rules involving the use of these substances on the internal market (see EUROPE 10601). The challenge is great as the range of foodstuffs to which these substances are added to modify the taste or smell is very wide (including soft drinks, confectionery, cereals, cakes and yogurts).
The first regulation (No 872/2012) establishes a new list of more than 2,100 authorised substances which can legally be used. Applicable from 22 April 2013, it will leave the industry time to adapt to the new rules. The flavouring substances not on the list will be prohibited after a phasing out period of 18 months. A further 400 will remain on the market until the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has given its opinion on them after a scientific evaluation.
The second regulation (No 873/2012) concerns transitional measures for other flavourings such as flavourings made from non-food sources, and will apply from 22 October 2012.
For the sake of clarity, the authorised uses will be listed according to the category of food to which these substances may be added. Consumers, food businesses and national food control authorities will have free access to the positive list of authorised substances which can be consulted in an online database.
A flavouring substance may only be authorised if it does not pose risks to the health of the consumer at the level of the proposed use, and if it does not mislead the consumer. Other factors may also be considered, like ethical, environmental or traditional factors.
The positive list of approved flavouring substances marks an important milestone in the application of the framework regulation (No 1334/2008) on flavouring substances, which requires the use of flavouring substances to be safe and not to mislead the consumer. (AN/transl.fl)