Nov 20th, 2020
3 mins
MEP’s have called on the Commission to remove titanium dioxide (E171) from the EU list of permitted food additives and have objected to the proposal to amend the rules setting maximum levels of acrylamide in certain foodstuffs for infants and young children.
E171 is used mainly to colour confectionery, bakery, and pastry products as well as chewing gum, sweets, chocolates, and ice cream. As these products are very popular with children, there is a concern about their exposure levels to the additive. France have already banned sales of food products containing titanium dioxide as of 1st January 2020 and 85,000 citizens across Europe have signed a petition to support the French ban.
As regards acrylamide, MEPs are requesting that the Commission lower the proposed maximum level allowed for two food products often given to infants and young children – biscuits and rusks. They have also proposed that biscuits and rusks that are not specifically produced for infants and young children but are often given to or even marketed to them, should face the same, more stringent demands. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) had previously confirmed that acrylamide could potentially increase the risk of developing cancer.
Both objections were adopted by Parliament which now means that the Commission cannot approve the proposed actions and is obliged to amend or withdraw them.
The draft resolution on the objection relating to E171 can be found here
The draft resolution on the objection relating to acrylamide can be found here
