Food products

Draft Commission Regulation amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202) and the Annex to Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 as regards the specifications for sorbic acid (E 200), potassium sorbate (E 202) and propyl gallate (E 310) (Text with EEA relevance). Language(s): English. Number of pages: 9

The text revises the EU specifications of the authorized food additives sorbic acid (E 200), potassium sorbate (E 202) and propyl gallate (E 310) and authorizes an extension of use of sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202) as preservatives in fruit-flavoured water-based gelatine desserts based on the recent scientific opinions from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

For sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202), the current specifications are adapted by reducing the maximum limits for toxic elements (arsenic, lead and mercury) and by establishing a maximum limit for zinc. Furthermore, the description of potassium sorbate (E 202) is amended by including the granular form.

For propyl gallate (E 310), the current specifications are adapted by reducing the maximum limits for toxic elements and by restricting the use of catalysts in the manufacturing process of the food additive.

The text also authorizes the use of sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202) in food category 16 'Desserts excluding products covered in categories 1, 3 and 4' at a maximum level of 1000 mg/kg for fruit-flavoured water-based gelatine desserts.

In order to allow for a smooth transition, the application of the new purity specifications for the food additives sorbic acid (E 200), potassium sorbate (E 202) and propyl gallate (E 310), and the definition of propyl gallate (E 310) is deferred and a transitional period is provided for food additives placed on the market before the date of application. Also, for foods containing sorbic acid (E 200), potassium sorbate (E 202) or propyl gallate (E 310) that have been lawfully placed on the market before the date of application, a transitional period is provided.