EUROPE – The European Union is proposing an amendment to harmonise the use of food additives and flavourings throughout the EU as it tries to reduce unfair competition and better serve the consumer.

The proposal will mean that only substances that have been explicitly authorised may be used. Current, additive rules vary for each member state and this hinders the free movement of food containing some flavourings. This creates conditions of unfair competition as well as potential differences in consumer protection.

The new proposal also aims to harmonise legislation on additives necessary for the storage and use of flavourings.

Prior to their authorisation, food additives undergo an extensive safety evaluation by the Scientific Committee on Food and are examined in terms of whether or not they are needed and whether or not their use might mislead the consumer According to EU officials, the proposal would allow the use of one new food additive, hydrogenated poly-1-decene, withdraw some additives, and allow the new use of a some previously authorised additives.