Tag: European union

In 2012, the European Union banned an ingredient once found in Gatorade called brominated vegetable oil (BVO), leading to the drink's initial removal from European shelves. However, the ingredient landscape is more complex, involving not just BVO but also strict regulations on specific artificial colors.

With the global whey market size valued at $6.5 billion in 2023, and global milk production topping 944 million tonnes, the industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years. The question of which country produces the most whey is a complex one, influenced by cheese production, processing technology, and shifting export dynamics.

Monk fruit extract is derived from the fruit of the Siraitia grosvenorii vine, which has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Despite its long history of use in some regions, its regulatory status as a commercial sweetener varies drastically around the world, creating confusion for consumers and manufacturers alike.

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.

The average processed food item can contain a complex list of ingredients, and you might have noticed a mysterious 'E' followed by a number. Understanding what the letter E mean on food labels is crucial for informed dietary choices, as it demystifies the additives used to enhance everything from shelf life to color.

Food additives marked with a single letter, 'E', on a product label in Europe have been assessed and approved for safe consumption by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This letter is used for numbers relating to food additives that have been approved for use across the EU and EFTA countries.

Over 19 sweeteners are currently authorized for use in the European Union by the European Food Safety Authority. So, what artificial sweetener do they use in Europe, and what regulations govern these food additives?

In 2018, the European Commission announced that 97% of EU food samples tested for pesticide residues were within legal limits, highlighting a robust control system. This brings up the question, **does Europe regulate food**? The answer is a resounding yes, through one of the world's most comprehensive and rigorous regulatory systems, ensuring consumer safety from farm to fork.

Over 300 food additives are classified by an 'E-number' in Europe, but the lowercase 'e' you see on some packaging means something completely different. So, what does e stand for in food? The answer depends on whether it is part of a numerical code or a separate symbol related to quantity control.

In 1999, the European Commission refused authorisation for stevia, citing a lack of safety data. This led to widespread confusion and a myth that the sweetener was permanently banned in Europe, but did the EU ban stevia for good? The reality is a story of evolving science and policy, resulting in the approval of purified stevia extracts as a food additive in 2011.