Category: Eu regulations

As of December 2011, highly purified steviol glycosides derived from the *Stevia rebaudiana* plant were officially approved for use as a food additive in the European Union. So, does Europe use stevia? The answer is a clear yes, marking a significant milestone after decades of debate and safety evaluations.

According to the International Sweeteners Association, over a dozen low-calorie sweeteners are rigorously tested and approved for use across the European Union. This guide will explain which EU-approved sweeteners, including natural and artificial options, are readily available, addressing common confusions like which sweetener is not banned in Europe.

Contrary to widespread belief, the food additive Blue 1, known as Brilliant Blue FCF or E133, is not universally banned across Europe. Instead, its use is subject to a complex patchwork of regulations, with authorization at the EU level but specific bans or stricter controls enacted by certain individual member countries.

In Europe, products containing certain artificial dyes, including the equivalents of Red 40 and Yellow 5, have been required to carry a warning label regarding hyperactivity in children since 2010. This has led to a widespread misconception that red 40 and yellow 5 are banned in Europe, when in fact, they are heavily restricted and regulated.

Sucralose, a popular artificial sweetener, has been the subject of frequent speculation regarding its legality in Europe. Contrary to popular belief, sucralose is not banned across the European Union but is, in fact, an approved food additive under strict regulations.

The use of sucralose, the sweetening ingredient in Splenda, was approved for use as a food additive by the European Union in 2004. With the question, "Is Splenda approved in Europe?" the answer is affirmative, following rigorous safety evaluations by the EU's Scientific Committee on Food. The sweetener is widely used across EU member states under the designation E955.

Since April 2021, EU-wide legislation has restricted industrially produced trans fats to a maximum of 2g per 100g of fat in retail foods, including margarine. This has led to some consumer confusion, but the fact remains that yes, margarine is allowed in Europe, though it is subject to rigorous safety, quality, and labeling standards.

The 'e' symbol, a lowercase and distinctive mark often found next to the weight or volume on product packaging, is a regulatory indicator for pre-packaged goods sold in the European Economic Area (EEA). This estimated mark, or 'e-mark', confirms that the average quantity of products in a batch is not less than the stated nominal weight or volume, like in the case of 500g e.

According to a 2023 re-evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI) was set for erythritol to mitigate potential health effects from high consumption, confirming that is erythritol allowed in Europe under specific conditions. This article explores the official status and nuanced regulations surrounding this sugar alcohol.

According to the European Commission, the FIC Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 standardizes food labeling across member states. Mastering how to read food labels in EU is crucial for making informed, safe, and healthier food choices for you and your family.