Europe Adopts Approved List of Flavoring Substances

BRUSSELSThe European Commission has adopted two pieces of legislation designed to harmonize the use of flavoring agents within the single market and help flavoring substances in food become even safer and more transparent.

The first regulation provides for a new EU-wide list of flavoring substances that includes more than 2,100 authorized flavoring substances. The commission said 400 more flavoring agents will remain on the market until EFSA concludes its evaluation.

The new list will become effective April 22, 2013, giving time for the EU food industry to adapt to the new rules. All flavoring substances not in the list will be prohibited after a phasing out period of 18 months.

The second regulation concerns transitional measures for other flavorings, such as flavorings made from non-food sources. This rule will become effective Oct. 22, 2012.

"Thanks to on-going efforts by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other scientific bodies, this legislation on flavoring substances will vastly improve the transparency of information to citizens and industry alike. It will be easier for all concerned to know exactly which flavoring substances can be used in food," said John Dalli, Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner.