Regulatory updates on phosphoric acid use in food.

Phosphoric acid (E338) is a widely used food additive, primarily serving as an acidity regulator and preservative in various food and beverage products. Recent global regulatory developments have prompted a re-evaluation of its safety and usage standards. This article provides an overview of the latest regulatory updates concerning phosphoric acid in the food industry.

European Union: Ongoing Re-evaluation and Data Collection

In July 2023, the European Commission initiated a call for data to address issues identified by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) during its re-evaluation of phosphoric acid and related phosphates (E338–341, E343, E450–452) as food additives. The call aimed to gather technical data from business operators to support the safety assessment process. The deadline for data submission was set for March 5, 2024 .

China: Approval of New Food Additives

In 2023, China's National Health Commission (NHC) approved 33 new food additives, including phosphoric acid produced via the wet process. This approval reflects China's efforts to expand and update its list of permitted food additives, ensuring food safety and aligning with international standards .

Eurasian Economic Union: Proposed Amendments

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) proposed amendments to its technical regulations concerning the safety of food additives, flavors, and processing aids. These changes, developed by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, include revisions to the content of phosphoric acid and food phosphates in meat products. The amendments consider international and European legislation, including the Codex Alimentarius .

Hong Kong: Updates to Preservatives Regulation

Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety announced the Preservatives in Food (Amendment) Regulation 2024, which updates the definitions of "preservative" and "antioxidant" in line with Codex standards. The regulation expands the list of permitted preservatives and antioxidants to 58 and increases the number of additive-food pairs with specified maximum permitted levels from approximately 900 to around 2,000 .

Conclusion

The regulatory landscape for phosphoric acid as a food additive is evolving, with various regions undertaking re-evaluations and updates to ensure consumer safety and align with international standards. Stakeholders in the food industry should stay informed about these developments to ensure compliance and maintain public health standards.