EFSA Seeks Data on Food Additives

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a call for data from
member states and other stakeholders on a third batch of food additives,
including tertiary-butyl hydroquinone, agar, carrageenan, and xanthan gum,
used in food and beverages. The action follows Commission Regulation No.
257/2010 of the European Parliament and the Council on Food Additives,
requiring re-evaluation of substances permitted in the EU before January
2009. Specifically, the agency seeks (i) “figures from industry on the amounts
of these additives they report using in their products”; and (ii) “data derived
from analyses indicating actual levels of these additives found in foods and
drinks from national food authorities, research institutions, academia, food
industry and other stakeholders.” EFSA will accept data submissions until July
31, 2014, and will reportedly publish further calls for similar data later this
year.

Issue 517