EU Member States Endorse New List of Flavoring Substances

During a recent meeting of the European Union’s (EU’s) Standing Committee
on the Food Chain and Animal Health, EU member states reportedly endorsed
a European Commission proposal to establish a new list of permitted flavoring
substances for food products. The committee also approved a transitional
measure on other flavorings, including those made from non-food sources.

Expected to be formally adopted unless opposed by the European Parliament,
the two pieces of legislation aim to create clear rules for the use of flavoring
substances within the European Union. The European Food Safety Authority
and other scientific bodies assessed 2,800 flavorings to establish the list of
allowable flavorings for use in food. Set for publication in an online database
for consumers, industry and national food-control authorities, the list will be
enforced six months after its adoption to provide sufficient time for the EU
food industry to comply. See Europolitics, April 24, 2012.