Various changes regarding additives

All food additives used through­out the EU are undergoing revaluation. This is resulting in changes, for example with various ­E-substances.

By Dr Jörg Häseler

The European Food Safety ­Authority (EFSA) is also the home of the panel “Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food” (ANS). This panel evaluates the safety of che­mical substances added to food products as well as consumer exposure to such substances and publishes indivi­dual reports on such substances.

As part of this panel’s work, all additives used throughout the EU are undergoing revaluation, and there are changes as a result. For example, changes have now been implemented regarding ­E 412, E 120, E 422 and E 460.
The additive guar gum (E 412) is ­approved for use in products inclu­ding baked goods, ice cream, desserts and dairy drinks on a “quantum satis” basis, i.e. with no stipulated maximum quantities of the additive for each product. The EFSA panel report states that there is no need for the esta­blishment of an ADI value (Acceptable Daily Intake) for the general public, as there are no health concerns associated with it. However, further testing should be conducted in relation to ­infants and young children.
Carmine (E 120) is approved as a food colouring for items including ­confectionery products. According to the ANS, this food colouring containing high levels of 4-aminocephalo­sporanic (4-ACA) is used in food products. The problem with this is that 4-ACA is not listed in the EU list of ­approved additives. E 120 containing a significant ­level of 4-ACA is viewed as an un­approved additive, although the puri­ty criteria in EU Directive No. 231/2012 do not call for any specific maximum value. 4-ACA is a natural component ­of the cochineal insect and can there­fore appear in the food colouring as an impurity.
Glycerol (E 422) is approved on a quantum satis basis for instance for chewing gum, coatings and cocoa and chocolate products. According to the ANS report, there are no ­genotoxicity concerns associated with it and no ­necessity for the establishment of an ADI value. There are no ­safety concerns associated with E 422 in the ­currently established application conditions. Yet, there are uncertainties ­regarding im­purities related to the production process.
Microcrystalline cellulose (E 460) has quantum satis approval for prod­ucts ­including ice cream and chewing gum. The ANS report states that ­changes should ­only be made in ­relation to its solubili­ty in sodium ­hydroxide solution.     •