Written question – Food additives approval system – E-002863/2025

Question for written answer  E-002863/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Biljana Borzan (S&D)

Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008[1] requires food additives to be safe, technologically justified, non-misleading and beneficial to consumers. The re-evaluation of additives approved before 2009 was due by 2020, yet 30 % remain unassessed in 2025. Additives such as aspartame, last reviewed in 2013, fall outside this process. Most evaluations rely heavily on industry data and lack deadlines for future reviews.

• 1.Can the Commission explain how outdated reviews still ensure consumer safety in the light of new scientific understanding?
• 2.Does it have plans to rely more on independent academic studies?
• 3.Can it explain how it will accelerate evaluations and re-evaluations and introduce time limits for authorisation decisions, as seen in other regulatory frameworks, such as for pesticide approvals?

Submitted: 14.7.2025

• [1] OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 16, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2008/1333/oj.