Foodlaw-Reading

Dr David Jukes, The University of Reading, UK

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Food Law News - UK - 2022

FSA Letter (PLGEN22038), 4 July 2022

ADDITIVES - Use of new food additive E960c (enzymatically produced steviol glycoside) and designation of the previously authorised food additive E960 (Steviol Glycosides derived from Stevia) to E960a

Summary: The European Union (EU) has authorised the use of E960c, published in Commission Regulation (EU) No. 2021/1156, applicable in Northern Ireland only. This has also amended the designation of the existing food additive E960 to E960a. This regulation came into force on 3 August 2021, with an 18-month transition period, ending on 2 February 2023. E960c is not authorised for the GB market.

The European Union (EU) has authorised the use of enzymatically produced steviol glycoside (E960c) for use as a food additive, published in Commission Regulation (EU) No. 2021/1156. This regulation came into force on 3 August 2021, with an 18-month transition period, which ends on 2 February 2023. After this transition period, products placed on the market in the EU (and Northern Ireland) must indicate E960a (if the steviol glycoside is derived from stevia) and E960c (if it contains enzymatically produced steviol glycosides).

Use of Steviol Glycosides as a food additive

Steviol Glycosides (from the Stevia plant) are non-nutritive sweeteners used in jams, chewing gum, drinks, yogurts, and confectionary. It is also available in pure form for use in tea, coffee, and baking.

Current position in Northern Ireland

Under the terms of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (NIP), Annex II, EU Law continues to apply in Northern Ireland and therefore this authorisation is applicable for the Northern Ireland market. This regulation came into force on 3 August 2021, with an 18-month transition period ending on 2 February 2023. Foods currently containing steviol glycosides produced from stevia are currently labelled as E960. The new authorisation of E960c has indirectly affected the labelling of E960 which now must be amended to E960a within the 18-month transition period. After the transition period ends, products containing the renamed E960a should no longer be identified as containing E960.

However, foods already on the market will be able to stay on the market until they reach their date of minimum durability or ‘use by’ date. The Food Additives, Flavourings, Enzymes and Extraction Solvents Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 provisions will apply regarding enforcement of the use of these substances.

Current position in Great Britain

This change does not affect the GB market, where only steviol glycosides derived from stevia is authorised (E960). A similar application for the use of E960c (enzymatically produced steviol glycosides) has been received and is being processed through the UK Regulated Products Application System. This is still under consideration, and no outcome has yet been reached.

If the new enzymatically produced steviol glycosides are authorised in GB this will have a consequential effect on the designation of Stevia glycosides produced from stevia, however until this happens, stevia on the GB market should continue to be labelled as E960 in Great Britain. E960c is not currently authorised for use as a food additive.

 

 


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