Within the EU, the body responsible for the safety of additives is the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). A special panel of independent experts – independent of the additive manufacturers – is selected by EFSA to interpret the test results on an additive and decide whether it is safe for use in food.

More information about EFSA’s work on additives can be found here

However, the safety assessment carried out by EFSA is not the end of the process. It’s just the first but essential step. Once an additive has been shown to be safe, it must be legally authorised before it can be used in food products within the EU.

For more information visit the Approval page.