Food additives in the European Union: Legislation

Food additives: how does the EU protect us?

Food additives are substances added to food for a particular reason. For example, they can help food stay fresh, give it colour or improve its texture. Preservatives, sweeteners and thickeners are common types of additives.

In the European Union, the main law controlling their use is Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. Food companies must follow these rules:

1. Only approved additives are allowed

Companies can only use additives on the EU’s approved lists. They must also follow the rules about which foods can contain them.

2. Safety comes first

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assesses the safety of additives. They must be safe in the amounts and conditions in which they are used.

3. There must be a real reason to use them

An additive must do a useful job, such as helping food last longer. Companies cannot use it simply to hide poor-quality ingredients or problems during production.

4. Additives must not trick us

They must not make food seem fresher or better than it really is.

5. Companies must use only the amount needed

They must use the smallest amount necessary to do the job and respect any maximum limits.

6. Labels must identify additives

The ingredients list normally shows what the additive does, followed by its name or E-number. For example:

• Preservative: E 202

• Colour: E 129

An E-number identifies an additive authorised for use in the EU.

Does this law cover everything added to food?

No. Other substances, such as added vitamins, substances used during food processing, and most enzymes and flavourings, are covered by different rules.

Next time you check a food label, can you spot an additive and work out what it does?

Find out more: EU rules on food additives

ADVANCED READING

The primary legislation governing food additives in the European Union is Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council. [1]

Core Principles of EU Food Additive Rules

Positive Lists: Additives are only permitted if they are explicitly authorized on the EU's approved lists (found in Annexes II and III of the regulation). [1]
Safety Criteria: Additives must undergo a safety assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and pose no health risk to consumers. [1]
Technological Need: An additive must fulfill a genuine technological function and cannot be used just to hide poor quality ingredients or faulty manufacturing. [1]
No Consumer Misleading: The use of the additive must not mislead consumers regarding the nature, freshness, or quality of the food. [1]
Lowest Effective Level: Additives must be used at the lowest level necessary to achieve the desired effect (quantum satis or specific maximum limits). [1, 2]
Mandatory Labelling: Food products must clearly list authorized additives on the packaging by their functional class followed by their specific name or E-number (e.g., Preservative: E 202 or Colour: E 129). [1]

Scope and Exclusions

Included: Substances added intentionally for technological purposes (such as preservatives, sweeteners, colorants, antioxidants, stabilizers, and thickeners). [1, 2]
Excluded: Processing aids, plant protection products, added nutrients, water treatment substances, and most food enzymes and flavorings.