BfR Committee for Food Additives, Flavourings and Processing Aids

The term, food additives, encompasses substances like artificial sweeteners, dyes, preservatives, antioxidants, acidifiers, emulsifiers, stabilisers or baking agents. Generally, only approved additives may be used in the EU. According to Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, food additives may only be approved if they do not pose a safety concern to the health of the consumer at the level of use proposed. The safety of food additives, flavourings and processing aids is evaluated by national and international institutions and expert panels (at EU level by the European Food Safety Authority EFSA). In Germany BfR is responsible for the risk assessment of food additives, flavourings and processing aids.

Tasks of the BfR Committee

The Committee for Food Additives, Flavourings and Processing Aids advises BfR on specific issues in the field of the risk assessment of food additives, flavourings and processing aids. Processing aids are also called technical auxiliaries.

Members of the BfR Committee

The BfR Committee for Food Additives, Flavourings and Processing Aids was not reappointed for the time being in the appointment period 2022-2025 due to BfR's reduced need for advice on this topic.

If necessary, the BfR will invite one or more experts to expert discussions on specific issues in order to access external expertise.