The Eurasian Economic Union's (EAEU) decision to amend its Technical Regulation on Food Additives has led to significant changes in the landscape of food additive regulation within its member states, including Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Central to these amendments is the prohibition of the use of stevia as a food additive, a move that reflects the EAEU's ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and health of its consumers.
This notification was timely identified and is available to users through the SGS Digicomply Regulatory Intelligence Hub. Feel free to get in touch now to learn about implementing the Regulatory Intelligence Hub for your company. Or explore the demo and try this tool in action.
The Prohibition of Stevia
Stevia, derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant, has been a popular sweetener worldwide due to its natural origin and perceived health benefits over synthetic sweeteners. However, the recent amendments have explicitly banned stevia in forms such as powder, syrup, and leaf extracts as food additives within the EAEU territory. This ban, effective from February 27, does not extend to steviol glycosides (E960), which remain permissible under more stringent conditions regarding the specificity of the main substance and impurities, including those considered toxic.
Broad Regulatory Changes
The amendments to the Technical Regulation on Food Additives are the result of an eight-year development process, underscoring the meticulous approach taken by the EAEU to revise and update its regulatory framework. The changes are comprehensive, involving not only the prohibition of certain substances but also the introduction of new permitted additives and alterations in labeling requirements, especially concerning products containing licorice root.
Significant among the banned substances are:
- Red rice dye and ammonium acetate, which have found uses outside of food additives, thereby disqualifying them from inclusion in food products.
- Various anti-caking agents and preservatives containing aluminum, which pose health risks when consumed in combination.
- Flavor and aroma enhancers such as maltol (E636) and ethyl maltol (E637), alongside other preservatives and dyes deemed unnecessary or harmful.
Conversely, the number of permitted additives has been increased by six, introducing substances such as gum arabic modified with octenyl succinic acid (E423) and various methacrylate copolymers. These additions reflect the EAEU's acknowledgment of the evolving needs within the food industry and the continuous review of scientific data regarding the safety of food additives.
Enhanced Labeling Requirements
The amendments also bring changes to the labeling of products, particularly those containing licorice root or its derivatives. Products exceeding certain thresholds of glycyrrhizic acid or its ammonium salt now require explicit labeling to inform consumers, especially those with a tendency towards high blood pressure, of the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption.
Conclusion
The EAEU's amendments to its Technical Regulation on Food Additives demonstrate a comprehensive approach to food safety, balancing the need for technological advancements in food production with the imperative to protect consumer health. By prohibiting certain substances, including the widely used natural sweetener stevia, and introducing new permitted additives, the EAEU is navigating the complex landscape of food safety regulation. Moreover, the enhanced labeling requirements for products containing licorice root reflect a nuanced understanding of the potential health implications of food additives, ensuring that consumers are well-informed about the contents of their food.
For more detailed inquiries, stakeholders can reach out directly to the EAEU or utilize the SGS Digicomply platform for comprehensive insights and updates. Feel free to get in touch now to learn about implementing the Regulatory Intelligence Hub for your company. Or explore the demo and try this tool in action.