Banned Botanicals List Emerging

 

As a part of the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) draft guidance document for the safety assessment of botanicals, due later this month, a list of botanicals that should be banned from use in food products will be produced. The European Botanical Forum (EBF) hopes this move will assist with the harmonization of food laws across Europe, establishing clearly what can and can’t be used while creating transparency in the process. The EBF already has its own list that includes 60 plants that should be considered toxic and not be allowed for food supplements. The EFSA banned list is expected later this month, with the final vote likely to be reached by 2010.