Additives, enzymes and flavourings: EP wants more guarantees

摘要

The European Parliament's Committee on Health adopted the 'foodstuffs package', at second reading, on 6 May, by reintroducing amendments to clarify the new procedure for the European authorisation of food additives, enzymes and flavourings and to improve consumer protection. MEPs called for greater transparency in this authorisation procedure. This must take account of the environmental effects of additives and ensure that consumers are not misled, they insist. The Council, which adopted its common position on 10 March, had resumed amendments in this direction. The EP thus took the opportunity to add to its requirements. In fact, since the first reading in July 2007, a scientific discovery on the health risks for children exposed to azo dyes (colourings like E 107 and E 110) has been published. Specific labelling for foodstuffs containing these dyes is thus considered necessary, carrying the message: "Azo dyes may provoke allergenic effects and hyper-activity in children". Furthermore, where there is evidence that a food additive might cause undesirable side effects (eg azo dyes), the Commission, in consultation with the member states, should take immediate action to ban it.