On Monday 28 October, the European Food Safety Authority published its scientific opinion in favour of amending the specifications required for steviol glycosides (E 960) as a food additive, in particular Rebaudioside M from a manufacturing process involving genetically modified micro-organisms.
E 960, purified stevia leaf extract, has been authorised in the EU since 2011 for use as sweeteners.
In response to a request from the Commission, the EFSA Scientific Panel on Food Additives and Flavours concluded that Rebaudioside M, produced via enzymatic bioconversion of purified stevia leaf extract using the enzymes UDP-glucosyltransferase and sucrose synthetase produced by genetically modified yeasts K. phaffii UGT-a and K. phaffii UGT-b, did not pose a safety concern if used as a food additive.
However, EFSA recommends that the Commission consider establishing separate specifications for this substance, given the specificity of the manufacturing process applied to the production of this sweetener. The specifications should include, in Commission Regulation EU 231/2012, additional parameters related to the genetically modified micro-organisms used for its production, according to EFSA scientists.
This Regulation established specifications relating to origin, purity criteria and other information necessary for the identification of food additives and provides for a common authorisation procedure for food additives, food enzymes and food flavourings. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)