August 2011 update on EU restrictions on use of aluminium-containing food additives

Tuesday 23 August 2011

This update provides information about the opinion of the European Food Safety Authority on the safety of aluminium from dietary intake. The European Commission has discussed possible risk management measures with member states, which involve restrictions on the use of aluminium-containing food additives.

The Commission has not yet tabled a formal proposal but an informal proposal is currently under discussion.

The main proposals are:

• tighter restrictions on the use of aluminium silicates, commonly used as anti-caking agents
• tighter restrictions on the use of aluminium lakes of colours
• removal of approval to use sodium aluminium phosphate (SALP) as a raising agent

Comments on these proposals should be sent to nasreen.shah@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk by Wednesday 14 September 2011.