Food Enzymes

The European Commission has proposed a general system for authorising and marketing enzymes in the European Union (EU). The new system provides for the introduction of a common procedure for assessing and authorising these substances. Only substances which are included in one of the harmonised lists will be authorised. This future legislation will, for the first time at European level, regulate the use of enzymes in food and define rules governing labelling. Manufacturers will also be able to initiate an authorisation procedure directly with the European Commission. Data is collected for risk assessment, risk management and includes requests for authorisation of food enzymes or modification of conditions of use and the subsequent publication of lists of authorised enzymes and rules of labelling.