EFSA draws up priority list for food additive re-evaluation

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

- Last updated on GMT

Several colours are among priority additives for re-evalution
Several colours are among priority additives for re-evalution

Related tags Food additives E number

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has called on food and drink manufacturers for information on the use of food additives, prioritising data on 15 colours and antioxidants for the end of July.

Under EU legislation, EFSA must re-evaluate hundreds of food additives and their permitted uses by 2020. It has now drawn up a priority list of 51 additives for which it seeks data from industry by the end of the year, including 15 with a data deadline of July 31 and a further 36 with a deadline of November 30. It aims to adopt opinions for the first 15 additives by the end of 2013 if possible, followed by several others in 2014.

The food safety body says its Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources Added to Food has grouped the additives based on availability of scientific data, and is also reviewing previous re-evaluations of certain food colours because consumer exposure to them for some population groups was originally estimated, based on limited data, to be higher than the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).”

Additives prioritised due to more refined exposure assessments are curcumin (E 100), brown HT (E 155), azorubine/carmoisine (E 122), allura red AC (E 129), brilliant black BN (E 151), quinoline yellow (E 104), sunset yellow (E 110) and ponceau 4R (E 124).

EFSA said it was looking for information from industry on the amounts of additives used in their products, as well as data from food analyses on actual quantities of additives in foods and drinks from industry, national food authorities, researchers and academia.

Click here​ for full list of the 56 additives for which EFSA has called for data by the end of 2013.

Related news

Related products

show more

Robuvit® for Natural Energy and Mitochondrial Support

Robuvit® for Natural Energy and Mitochondrial Support

Content provided by Horphag Research | 01-May-2023 | Clinical Study

Robuvit® French oak extract is a caffeine-free natural energizer that provides support for managing fatigue and improving energy levels. Learn how this...

Redefining Cognitive Health with Neumentix™

Redefining Cognitive Health with Neumentix™

Content provided by Kemin Human Nutrition and Health | 18-Apr-2023 | Product Brochure

Find out how Neumentix™, a naturally sourced ingredient grown from patented spearmint high in polyphenols, may nourish the mind.

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars