Food products

Draft Commission Regulation amending Annex II and Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the food additives tartaric acid (L(+)-) (E 334), sodium tartrates (E 335), potassium tartrates (E 336), sodium potassium tartrate (E 337) and calcium tartrate (E 354) (Text with EEA relevance). Language(s): English. Number of pages: 16

The text revises the conditions of use of the authorized food additives tartaric acid (L(+)-) (E 334), sodium tartrates (E 335), potassium tartrates (E 336), sodium potassium tartrate (E 337) and calcium tartrate (E 354). These food additives are currently authorized for use at quantum satis and included in Group I, in Annex II, Part C of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, which covers food additives, other than colours and sweeteners, with an 'acceptable daily intake not specified' or for which the most recent risk assessment concluded that 'there is no need for a numerical acceptable daily intake'. In addition, tartaric acid (L(+)-) (E 334), sodium tartrates (E 335), potassium tartrates (E 336), sodium potassium tartrate (E 337) and calcium tartrate (E 354) are authorized for use in specific food categories with a numerical maximum level or at quantum satis.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated these food additives in 2020 and established a group acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 240 mg/kg bw per day, expressed as tartaric acid, for tartaric acid-tartrates (E 334 - 337 and E 354). Following the EFSA re‑evaluation, it is appropriate to remove those food additives from Group I, create a new group for them, review their conditions of use and establish numerical maximum use levels.

In order to allow for a smooth transition, the text lays down a transitional period for food business operators to adapt to the new more stringent conditions of use.