Simpler food quality safety rules on table
Simpler European rules for approving food additives, flavourings and enzymes were proposed by the European Commission today.
If endorsed by EU ministers the move would mean greater consumer confidence in the safety of food quality, according to EU health and Consumer protection Commissioner Markos Kyprianou.
“Food additives, flavourings and enzymes play an important role in the production of food for today’s mass market, and can offer consumer benefits in keeping food fresh and tasty.” he said.
“Clear, harmonised rules on the safety approval and marketing of these substances serve to protect the consumer and boost public confidence in the food produced with them.
“Today’s proposals ensure that these rules are based on sound scientific advice and that consumers are afforded the same level of safety wherever they are in the EU.”
Enzymes are used as alternatives to chemicals to improve food texture, appearance, flavour and nutritional value. But certain food enzymes are currently not covered by EU rules, and national legislation differs widely across the EU.
The updated EU requirements would set standards for evaluation and approval at EU level of all food enzymes.
Additives are already covered by EU rules, but the aim is to streamline and speed up evaluation of new additives.
Flavourings are also covered by existing EU rules, but approval checks need updating to reflect latest scientific and technological developments, according to the Commission.
