New EU Celery, Mustard and Fish Gelatin Labeling Rules

The European Flavour & Fragrance Association (EFFA) (Brussels, Belgium) has issued an information letter discussing changes in the European Commission's labeling requirements for foodstuffs containing the following materials:

• Celery leaf and seed oil
• Celery seed oleoresin
• Mustard oil
• Mustard seed oil
• Mustard seed oleoresin
• Fish gelatin as a flavor carrier

These materials' exemption from allergen labeling expired on November 26, 2007. However, foodstuffs placed on the market or labeled before May 31, 2009 can be marketed "until stocks are exhausted."

Flavor houses are instructed to inform customers whenever any of the indicated materials are included in flavors so that they may be noted on the label ("flavouring [celery]") by the proper date. The EFFA bulletin stresses that the intention is not to ban these substances, but merely to inform consumers that may need to avoid certain products to avoid allergic reactions. (Source: FEMA)