Brussels, 20/01/2000 (Agence Europe) - The EU scientific "Foodstuffs" committee is presently studying the possibility of revising, to make more stringent, the limit value in force in the EU for Coumarine, aromatic substance whose potential carcinogenic effects on the liver have been scientifically established.
The presence in foodstuffs of this substance, that we find in its natural state in cinnamon or possibly being used as aromatic additive, was regulated in 1988 by Council Directive on Foods smells (88/388/EEC). According to this Directive, the authorised limits value are 2 mg/kg of foodstuffs and drinks, but exceptions are permitted for certain types of sweet caramels (10 mg/kg, chewing gum (50 mg/kg) and alcoholic drinks (10 mg/kg).
In an opinion made on September 22 1999, the committee confirmed the risks of toxicity of Coumarine for human health - risks that previously where identified in rats, but only suspected in humans, in an opinion of 16 December 1994. On the other hand it was unable to remove the doubts over the existence of a genotoxicity to man, susceptible of worsening the toxicity of Coumarine and recommended the continuation of research. It is this potentially worsening factor that motivates the downward revision of the limit value, which is being considered at present.
The committee will gather again next week to continue its research announced an Commission spokesperson underlining Austria's attention to the matter. In fact this Member State recent began internal procedures against a bakery stung over the levels of Coumarine that do not conform to the limits set by the EU.