Tag: Efsa

First established for food colourings in 1962, E numbers are a standardized system for food additives in Europe. This often leads to consumer confusion and the question: are vitamins E numbers? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, involving how natural substances are classified.

Scientific bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have explicitly stated there is “no concern with respect to carcinogenicity” for the food additive gellan gum. This offers a clear answer for those asking, “is gellan gum carcinogenic?”. Gellan gum is a polysaccharide used widely as a gelling and stabilizing agent.

According to the U.S. FDA, methylparaben and propylparaben are classified as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) for use as food preservatives, with a limit not exceeding 0.1%. This classification offers a baseline understanding of the regulated limit of parabens in food, though specific regulations and concerns vary significantly by region and paraben type.

According to regulatory agencies worldwide, potassium sorbate is deemed a safe food additive. However, recent animal studies suggest this preservative may alter gut microbiota, sparking concern about its potential impact on human digestive health.

Nisin is a natural antimicrobial peptide produced by the bacterium *Lactococcus lactis* and has been used commercially as a food preservative since 1953. It is approved in over 50 countries and widely considered a safe and effective food additive for inhibiting spoilage and pathogens.

In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that an adequate assessment of the food additive E172 (iron oxides and hydroxides) could not be carried out due to insufficient data. This raises an important and persistent question for consumers and manufacturers alike: is E172 safe?

Aspartame (E951) is not illegal in Germany and is approved for use under strict European Union regulations. This legal status, however, stands amidst a backdrop of significant public debate and conflicting international health classifications.

According to the FDA, the permissible limit for TBHQ in food products is 0.02% of the total fat or oil content. This synthetic antioxidant, or tertiary butylhydroquinone, is widely used to prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of fatty foods. Regulatory bodies worldwide have established specific guidelines to ensure its safe consumption within these strict limits.

As a food additive, E260, known as acetic acid, is a long-standing ingredient present in countless food products like pickles and sauces, playing a key role as a preservative. This widespread use raises a critical question: is E260 approved worldwide, or do regulatory standards vary significantly by country? The answer is a broad international consensus on its safety, with specific regulatory details differing across major markets.

As of late 2024, the European Union's regulatory stance on monk fruit has shifted significantly, with some forms becoming legal for use after being deemed non-novel. The question of is monk fruit sugar allowed in Europe is complex, depending on the specific type of extract and its history of consumption. This means that while certain monk fruit preparations are now permitted, highly purified monk fruit extracts intended as high-intensity sweeteners still face regulatory hurdles.