17 September 1996: EXTRACTION SOLVENTS - Proposed revision to Directive on Extraction Solvents

Proposed revision to Directive on Extraction Solvents

The proposed text would make the following amendments to the Directive:

• provide for the amendment of the conditions of use and maximum residue levels for permitted extraction solvents to be made by the Commission following the procedure laid down in Article 6 of the Directive (i.e. involving the Standing Committee for Foodstuffs);
• remove butyl acetate and methyl-propanol-1 from the list of permitted extraction solvents;
• allow the use of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluroethane for the preparation of flavourings from natural flavouring materials;
• reduce the maximum residue level for hexane resulting from its use in the production or fractionation of fats and oils and production of cocoa butter (from 5 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg)

The proposal is based on Article 100a of the Treaty and subject to the co-decision procedure. The Commission hopes to reach a Common Position by December 1996.