AGRINFO AGRINFO logo

THE LATEST ON EU AGRI-FOOD POLICIES IMPACTING LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES

2024/238

New restrictions on the use of certain flavouring substances

  • Food additives
  • Food safety

Summary

The European Commission has introduced limits on use of the flavouring substances 2-phenylcrotonaldehyde, 5-methyl-2-phenylhex-2-enal, and 4-methyl-2-phenylpent-2-enal pending further evaluations by EFSA regarding the safety of these substances for human consumption.

EU limits use of flavouring substances 2-phenylcrotonaldehyde, 5-methyl-2-phenylhex-2-enal, and 4-methyl-2-phenylpent-2-enal

Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/238 of 15 January 2024 amending Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the introduction of restrictions on the use of certain flavouring substances

Update

The European Commission has introduced limits on use of the flavouring substances 2-phenylcrotonaldehyde, 5-methyl-2-phenylhex-2-enal, and 4-methyl-2-phenylpent-2-enal pending further evaluations by EFSA regarding the safety of these substances for human consumption.

What is changing?

Regulation (EC) 1334/2008 (Annex I) lists flavouring substances that are authorised for use in foods in the European Union and, where necessary, restrictions on their use. There are currently no restrictions of use for the following three substances:

  • 2-Phenylcrotonaldehyde (FL-No. 05.062)
  • 5-Methyl-2-phenylhex-2-enal (FL-No. 05.099)
  • 4-Methyl-2-phenylpent-2-enal (FL-No. 05.100).

The European Commission restricts current use of these flavourings in each category of foods to the quantities specified in the latest consolidated version of Regulation 1334/2008 (Annex I, Part A, Section 2, Table 1).

Why?

EFSA’s (2022) evaluation was inconclusive regarding a possible link between these substances and aneugenicity. (Aneugenicity is a substance’s ability to cause cells to have an abnormal number of chromosomes.) Some interested companies have agreed to give EFSA additional data to enable further studies. While awaiting further evaluation, the Commission wants to ensure use of the substances is not increased.

Timeline

The new restrictions apply from 5 February 2024.

What are the major implications for exporting countries?

As the restrictions reflect current use of the flavourings, this Regulation should not affect existing trade.

Recommended Actions

Exporters of foods containing the flavourings 2-phenylcrotonaldehyde, 5-methyl-2-phenylhex-2-enal, and 4-methyl-2-phenylpent-2-enal should comply with currently authorised quantities of these flavourings in food manufacturing.

Background

Regulation 1334/2008 prohibits the addition of certain natural undesirable substances to food. It also lays down maximum levels for certain substances that are naturally present in flavourings, and in food ingredients with flavouring properties, but which may raise concern for human health. The Regulation defines different types of flavourings, and lists the substances for which evaluation and approval is required.

The Union list of flavouring substances approved for use in and on foods (Regulation 872/2012) was adopted in 2012. The substances 2-phenylcrotonaldehyde, 5-methyl-2-phenylhex-2-enal, and 4-methyl-2-phenylpent-2-enal were included in the Union list of flavouring substances on the condition that safety data was submitted to address EFSA’s concerns.

When EFSA evaluates flavouring substances, it allocates them a unique identification number called an FL-number. FL comes from “FLAVIS”, the EU’s flavouring information system. The FL-number is not used for labelling purposes (European Commission 2012).

Resources

Sources

Regulation 2024/238 as regards the introduction of restrictions on the use of certain flavouring substances

Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.

EU limits use of flavouring substances 2-phenylcrotonaldehyde, 5-methyl-2-phenylhex-2-enal, and 4-methyl-2-phenylpent-2-enal

Regulation

Regulation (EU) 2024/238 as regards the introduction of restrictions on the use of certain flavouring substances

What is changing and why?

As the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) needs to carry out more studies on the safety of the food flavourings 2-phenylcrotonaldehyde, 5-methyl-2-phenylhex-2-enal, and 4-methyl-2-phenylpent-2-enal, the European Commission has limited the quantities of these substances that may be used in foods.

Actions

Exporters of foods containing the flavourings 2-phenylcrotonaldehyde, 5-methyl-2-phenylhex-2-enal, and 4-methyl-2-phenylpent-2-enal should make sure the amounts used are not greater than those currently authorised in food manufacturing.

Timeline

The new restrictions apply from 5 February 2024.

Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.