Info session on the updated Food Additive Guidance

Background 

On 20 January 2026, EFSA published its updated Scientific Guidance on Food Additives. The revised guidance will apply to all applications submitted under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 from 20 July 2026 onwards, covering both new food additives and proposed changes to the conditions of use of authorised additives. 

The updated document reflects the latest scientific and methodological advancements in the safety assessment of food additives. It introduces revised data requirements across multiple areas of risk assessment, including substance characterisation, manufacturing processes, proposed uses and exposure assessment, toxicological information, and considerations related to environmental safety.

The event is part of EFSA’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency, strengthen stakeholder engagement and foster the generation of high‑quality scientific data for the evaluation of food additives in the EU.

Objectives of the event 

• Present the main updates introduced in the 2026 Food Additive Guidance and explain their scientific rationale. 
• Clarify the revised data requirements, including specifications, proposed use levels, exposure assessments and toxicological testing strategies. 
• Provide an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions and interact directly with EFSA staff.
• Inform stakeholders about the ongoing call of expression of interest in EFSA’s advice for food additive SMEs and first-time applicants.

Target audience 

This session is intended for all stakeholders with an interest in the safety assessment of food additives, in particular applicants, consultants, and scientific experts involved in the preparation and submission of dossiers.

Structure of the meeting 

EFSA will deliver a presentation outlining the main content and data requirements of the updated guidance. This will be followed by an open discussion between EFSA and attendees via Teams (both oral and written). 

Participants are invited to submit their questions related to the content of the Food Additive Guidance in advance of the meeting.

On-line registration

The registration form can be found here.

Please note that registration will close on 10 April 2026 at 12:00 CEST. 

Your attendance will be automatically confirmed. 

The link to attend the event will be sent few days before the event, after registration’s closure.

Organisational details

The event will be held online on 15 April 2026, 10:00- 12:30 (CEST). English will be the language of the event, and no translation will be provided.

Contact 

Do not hesitate to contact the organising committee at webinars [at] efsa.europa.eu for more information.