Israel Proposes Adoption of EU food flavourings regulation EC 1334/2008.

"On August 12, 2025, Israel sent a notification (G/TBT/N/ISR/1400) to the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee proposing updates to its Public Health Protection (Food) Law—aligning with recent EU amendments to Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, which governs food flavourings. The update includes the official adoption in Israel of naringenin and 2-methyl-1-(2-(5-(p-tolyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl) butan-1-one, recently added to the EU’s list of permitted flavourings under EU Regulation 2025/1112. Key Details of the Notification Legal Mechanism: The changes would be enacted through Amendment No. 10 to Israel’s Public Health Protection (Food) Law, 5776–2015. Already, EU Regulation 1334/2008 is included in Annex A of that law; this notification proposes integrating subsequent updates via June 16, 2024. Flavourings Added: a.Naringenin b. 2-methyl-1-(2-(5-(p-tolyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl) butan-1-one. These substances are now formally listed under the EU’s flavouring regulations as of EU Regulation 2025/1112, with a proposed Israel entry-into-force date of August 25, 2025. Purpose & Rationale: The update aims to Achieve regulatory harmonization with EU standards Reduce trade barriers for food products Improve regulatory efficiency and cost-effectiveness in food manufacturing and compliance. Supporting Documents Include: Public announcement for stakeholder feedback Notice from the Food Service Administration per Section 3A(c) of the Food Law The original Public Health Protection (Food) Law, 5776–2015 A Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) The referenced EU Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, including its amendments. Context & Implications: This proposal marks a substantial step in Israel’s regulatory alignment with EU food safety standards, specifically for food flavouring substances. By adopting the same flavouring additions as the EU, Israel ensures its internal regulations remain compatible with major export markets. It removes potential trade friction—especially for food products relying on newly approved Flavors, helps local producers maintain competitiveness and conformity across both markets. These flavouring components may be used in a range of food and beverage products—meaning wider trade and consumer access to goods containing the newly approved flavourings."