EFSA Evaluates Flavors in the EU

Scientists at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have completed the initial stage of a comprehensive safety review of 2,067 flavoring substances used in the EU. Based on this work, the European Commission is establishing a list of flavoring substances that can continue to be used in the EU.

The EFSA scientific panel found the majority of flavorings do not give rise to safety concerns, but it has asked some flavoring manufacturers to provide more information on approximately 400 substances to allow it to complete further evaluations. The EFSA will then reassess those substances. The EFSA also will start to assess applications for the authorization of new flavorings, which are based on new guidelines that were finalized following an online consultation and a workshop with stakeholders, and it is developing a database on the safety of flavorings that will be made available online.

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