Developments in European Union legislation on food preservatives

Early 1995 saw the publication of the European Parliament and Council Directive No. 95/2/EC on food additives other than colours and sweeteners. The Directive came into force on 25 March. This paper summarises the philosophy and history behind the Directive, and the provisions that it makes regarding food preservatives. The UK responses to the European Union (EU) requirement to establish systems to monitor the consumption and use of food additives are also outlined with particular reference to preservatives. Finally, the proposed Commission Directive that will set harmonised specific purity criteria for food preservatives, replacing in many cases existing legislation, is discussed.