Food improvement agents applications: frequently asked questions

EFSA carries out the safety evaluation of regulated food improvement agents (i.e. those which currently require market authorisation). These comprise chemical substances which are used as food additives, food enzymes, flavourings, smoke flavourings and extraction solvents. This work includes (1) the evaluation of new substances and (2) the evaluation of new proposed uses for already authorised substances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some general questions that we often receive are available in our Connect.EFSA portal dedicated FAQ page

1. What is EFSA’s role with regard to processing aids in the European Union?

EFSA is required to carry out the safety evaluation of food enzymes and of extraction solvents used as processing aids. This work is done by the Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP).

Food enzymes used as processing aids are covered by Regulation EC 1332/2008. Member State(s) national provisions apply for the aspects not harmonised by the European Union. Extraction solvents used or intended for use in the production of foodstuffs or food ingredients are regulated by Directive 2009/32/EC.

2. Short cuts for applicants

• Application procedure for:
  • Food additives, enzymes and flavourings: 
    1. Common Authorisation Procedure
    2. Regulation EC 1331/2008
    3. Regulation EU 234/2011
    4. Regulation EU 562/2012
    5. Practical guidance for applicants
    6. Harmonised rules on food additives, food enzymes and flavourings
  • Smoke flavourings: 
    1. Regulation EC 2065/2003 and Regulation EC 627/2006
  • Enzymes
    1. Food enzymes EU legislation – European Commission (Table: Food enzymes falling under Article 8(5)(c) of Regulation EU 234/2011)
    2. DG SANTE Food enzymes web section
    3. EFSA’s topic on Food Enzymes
  • Extraction solvents: 
    1. Directive 2009/32/EC on extraction solvents used in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients
    2. Regulation (EU) 234/2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 establishing a common authorisation procedure for food additives, food enzymes and food flavourings
    3. DG SANTE Extraction solvents web section
• Requirements for technical dossiers: EFSA’s scientific guidance documents
• FAF and CEP Panels Working Groups
• FAF and CEP Panels plenary meetings
• Adopted scientific opinions of FAF and CEP Panels
• EFSA’s  topics
• Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health
• Authorisation process for food ingredients
• Official Journal of the European Union
• Existing lists for food additives,  smoke flavourings and food enzymes
• Contact regarding authorisation: Unit E4 – Nutrition, food composition and information - Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety - DG SANTE
• Ask a question web form