News

EFSA to revisit sulphites

20 Apr 2016

The current combined safe level for seven sulphites used as additives in wine and other foods is sufficiently protective for consumers, EFSA has concluded, but it will revisit this conclusion when data from new studies are provided to fill information gaps.

EFSA to revisit sulphites

The current combined safe level for seven sulphites used as additives in wine and other foods is sufficiently protective for consumers, EFSA has concluded, but it will revisit this conclusion when data from new studies are provided to fill information gaps, reduce uncertainties and fully confirm their safety for consumers.

The seven food additives (sulphur dioxide and six sulphites) are considered together since they behave similarly following ingestion. They occur naturally in wine-making and are also added to many wines to halt fermentation and act as preservatives. The sulphite content in white and sweet wines is generally higher than in rosé, red and dry wines.

They are also used in cider, fruit and vegetable juices (for example, to stop grape juice turning into vinegar) and in dried fruit and vegetables, particularly radish and potato-based products.

Scientific data on sulphites and what happens to them inside the body are limited, EFSA notes. When consumed in food they may trigger intolerant reactions and some consumers may be sensitive to sulphites in food.

The existing acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.7 milligrams per kilogram of body weight covers all seven substances combined. Estimates of dietary exposure to these seven substances for consumers of most ages are sometimes above this figure, particularly for high level consumers, EFSA says.

EFSA’s expert Panel on Food Additives recommends that the temporary group ADI should be re-evaluated within five years, after new studies are carried out to generate the missing data. The Panel also suggests that labelling should describe the actual level of sulphites/sulphur dioxide in individual products to help sensitive/intolerant consumers to regulate their intake. EU law requires food labels to indicate “contains sulphites” (when exceeding 10 milligrams per kilogram or per litre) without specifying the amount.

EU regulations require EFSA to re-evaluate by 2020 the safety of all food additives authorised before January 2009. While EFSA has completed the re-evaluation of almost all food colours and expects to complete the assessment of other food additives scheduled for review by 2016, more than 100 food additives remain in the pipeline.

Despite launching several general and specific calls for data on food additives since 2006, there is still an on-going shortage of data on the toxicity of substances used as food additives and their levels in food. Producers and users of food additives are therefore urged to provide all their available information for the safety assessment of food additives to properly protect consumers.

Related tags

Events & Exhibitions

Related news

Paris Olympics: Food and beverage brands champion health, fun, and sustainability

Paris Olympics: Food and beverage brands champion health, fun, and sustainability

5 Aug 2024

Food and beverage brands are aligning with the Paris Olympics 2024 Food Vision, which emphasises sustainability, local sourcing, and plant-based diets.

Read more 
Natural Remedies: Bringing health and happiness via validated branded ingredients

Natural Remedies: Bringing health and happiness via validated branded ingredients

18 Apr 2024

Natural Remedies is an internationally renowned botanical healthcare company committed to advancing the field through rigorous research and the development of clinically validated Branded Ingredients. Guided by our foundational principle of ‘BEING USEF...

Read more 
Exploring the future of health and wellness retail at Vitafoods Europe

Exploring the future of health and wellness retail at Vitafoods Europe

14 Mar 2024

With retail-focussed content sessions, buyer networking, and finished product tasting sessions, this year’s Vitafoods Europe offers a not-to-be-missed opportunity for retailers to up their health and wellness game.

Read more 
Sustainability meets innovation at Fi Europe 2023's Sustainability Ingredients Zone

Sustainability meets innovation at Fi Europe 2023's Sustainability Ingredients Zone

9 Jan 2024

Fi Europe’s Sustainable Ingredients Zone showcases ingredients forging a path toward a greener future. Three innovators are redefining what sustainability within the food and beverage industry means, with upcycled products, regenerative agriculture, an...

Read more 
Unleashing the power of plants at Fi Europe’s New Product Zone

Unleashing the power of plants at Fi Europe’s New Product Zone

5 Jan 2024

In the diverse landscape of plant-based innovation, Fi Europe 2023's New Product Zone spotlighted ten plant-based ingredients, tailored to meet the rising demand for sustainable and delicious options.

Read more 
Meet the innovative ingredients showcased at Fi Europe’s New Product Zone

Meet the innovative ingredients showcased at Fi Europe’s New Product Zone

3 Jan 2024

The Food Ingredients category at Fi Europe’s New Product Zone featured 19 distinct and innovative products. From fermented delights to sustainable proteins, these ingredients are ready to make their mark in the market.

Read more 
Fi Europe’s New Product Zone elevates the nutrition of everyday indulgences

Fi Europe’s New Product Zone elevates the nutrition of everyday indulgences

22 Dec 2023

At Fi Europe 2023's New Product Zone, eight health ingredients, each offering an enhanced nutritional profile of various products, were on display. These ingredients address the evolving needs of the food and beverage industry and cater to consumers se...

Read more 
Fi Europe’s New Product Zone explores fresh possibilities with five natural ingredients

Fi Europe’s New Product Zone explores fresh possibilities with five natural ingredients

20 Dec 2023

Fi Europe 2023's New Product Zone unveils five natural ingredients, each catering to the growing demand for clean products and embodying ethical and sustainable choices for today's conscious consumers.

Read more 
Water-conscious consumers, upcycled food, and tech-driven sustainability: Highlights from Fi Europe, part 2

Water-conscious consumers, upcycled food, and tech-driven sustainability: Highlights from Fi Europe, part 2

14 Dec 2023

With climate change becoming a tangible reality, consumers’ environmental concerns are changing. At Fi Europe, market analysts revealed how people are now interested in everyday issues like water shortages and tech-driven solutions such as GM drought-r...

Read more 
The food industry’s single-use packaging problem

The food industry’s single-use packaging problem

12 Dec 2023

The food industry’s reliance on single-use packaging is a sustainability “sticking point” with viable alternatives not widely available – but new EU rules mean food businesses will remain responsible for the collection and disposal of the packaging the...

Read more