EFSA Launches Public Consultation on Guidance Document on Food Flavourings

All stakeholders – in particular future applicants – will be able to comment on the draft guidance document via the EFSA website until 7 December 2009. The guidelines will be finalised in early 2010, taking into consideration comments received during the public consultation.

2 Nov 2009 --- The European Food Safety Authority's Panel on food contact materials, enzymes, flavourings, and processing aids (CEF) has launched a public consultation on a draft guidance document on food flavourings. The document specifies which data industry should submit to EFSA for the safety evaluation of new flavourings.

A common authorisation procedure for new flavourings, based on safety assessments carried out by EFSA, is currently being put in place in the European Union. Meanwhile, EFSA will soon complete the safety evaluation of some 2,800 flavourings which are already on the market. The draft guidance document on new flavourings reflects the experience gained by EFSA during this process.

All stakeholders – in particular future applicants – will be able to comment on the draft guidance document via the EFSA website until 7 December 2009. The guidelines will be finalised in early 2010, taking into consideration comments received during the public consultation.

The European Commission has asked EFSA for an Opinion on the data required for the risk assessment of flavourings to assist applicants in the preparation and submission of applications for the safety evaluation of flavourings. This mandate arises from the Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 on a common authorisation procedure for food additives, food enzymes and food flavourings which entered into force on the 20 January 2009.

In response to this mandate the Scientific Panel on Food Contact Material, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF) has prepared a guidance document laying out the format of an application and listing the administrative and technical data required, and the range of toxicological tests generally required for the safety assessment of flavourings.

In line with EFSA’s policy on openness and transparency and in order for EFSA to receive comments from the scientific community and stakeholders, EFSA has launched a public consultation on the draft document developed by CEF Panel.