EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 - Food Additives

What it says

This Regulation lays down rules on food additives used in foods. Only additives included in the Union list may be placed on the market and used in foods, and only under the conditions of use set out for them, such as the foods they may be used in and maximum levels. It also contains rules on labelling of additives sold to manufacturers and to consumers.

Paraphrased for plain-language clarity. Always verify against the current published regulation text.

What it means in practice

• Each additive has an E number and a list of foods and levels for which it is authorized.
• A recipe change that adds or replaces an additive needs a check against the Union list.
• Additive carry-over from ingredients can also bring a food above permitted levels.

What inspectors look for

• Whether additives used are on the Union list for the food concerned.
• Whether levels are within the maximum limits.
• Whether labelling of the additive is correct.

Related regulations