The European Commission has published an updated consolidated version of Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, establishing technical specifications for food additives authorized under Annexes II and III of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. The consolidated version applicable from 9 May 2026 incorporates multiple regulatory amendments and updated additive requirements across the European Union.
The regulation lays down identity and purity criteria, manufacturing specifications, and compositional standards for authorized food additives used in foods within the EU market.
Importantly, the regulation reiterates strict controls on ethylene oxide contamination in food additives. Ethylene oxide may not be used for sterilization purposes in food additives, and residues exceeding 0.1 mg/kg are prohibited regardless of origin. The limit applies to the combined total of ethylene oxide and 2-chloro-ethanol expressed as ethylene oxide, including in mixtures of food additives covered under Annexes II and III of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
The updated consolidated text provides food manufacturers, additive suppliers, and compliance teams with the current applicable EU specifications and contaminant requirements for authorized food additives.
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