Food Additives and their Safety in the European Union – Stay informed with InfoCons Consumer Protection
Food additives are substances added to foods and beverages in order to improve their taste, appearance, texture, or to extend their shelf life. Without these substances, many of the products we consume daily would not have the same pleasant taste or long-lasting freshness.
For example, your favorite snack would last much less time and would quickly lose its flavor and texture if it did not contain certain substances that help maintain its quality.
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Types of Food Additives
There are several categories of additives, each with a clearly defined role:
- Preservatives – prevent the growth of microorganisms and extend shelf life.
- Antioxidants – prevent product deterioration caused by oxidation (for example, the rancidity of fats).
- Emulsifiers and stabilizers – help maintain the product’s texture and consistency.
- Colorants – give foods a more attractive appearance.
- Sweeteners – provide a sweet taste without a high caloric intake.
Each additive has a specific function, and its use is strictly regulated.
Food Additive Safety – Who Guarantees It?
In the European Union, the safety of food additives is rigorously assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) before they are authorized for use.
EFSA analyzes detailed scientific data to ensure that each substance is safe for consumption within established limits. Only after these strict evaluations can an additive be included on the list of substances permitted in the EU.
Currently, more than 300 substances are authorized as food additives in the European area. The oldest ones were initially evaluated by the Scientific Committee of the European Commission, and later EFSA reviewed and updated these evaluations, taking into account the latest scientific evidence.
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How Do We Recognize Food Additives on Labels?
On food product labels, additives must be listed obligatorily. The following information is provided:
- their function in the food (for example, colorant, preservative);
- the exact substance, either by its full name or by the E number assigned in the EU (for example, E 415 or xanthan gum).
This allows consumers to easily identify which additives a product contains and to make informed choices.
Additives Can Be Natural or Synthetic
Many substances used as additives are found naturally in foods. For example:
- Vitamin C (E 300) is found in fruits;
- Pectin (E 440) is present in apples and citrus fruits;
- Lycopene (E 160d) is found in tomatoes;
- Lecithin (E 322) is found in egg yolk, soy, or peanuts.
Some additives are extracted from animals (e.g., carminic acid – E 120, obtained from the cochineal insect), others come from minerals (e.g., calcium carbonate – E 170, obtained from limestone), while some are chemically synthesized in laboratories.
Regardless of their source, all additives must meet strict purity and safety standards before being used in food products.
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Myths and Truths About Food Additives
Myth: All food additives are dangerous.
Truth: Additives authorized in the EU are considered safe when used within the limits established by EFSA.
It is important to remember that the term “additive” does not automatically mean “artificial chemical” or “harmful.” In many cases, these are substances that our bodies already recognize from nature.
Source : European Food Safety Authority
Signature : InfoCons Consumers Protection Communication Department
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