The legal framework for the authorisation of a food additive at Community level foresees a two step procedure:-

Firstly, the additive is included in the relevant Directive by co-decision procedure according to the criteria laid down in Annex II of the framework Directive 89/107/EEC after an evaluation of its safety by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Secondly, the Commission adopts a specification for that additive after agreement in the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.

Administrative guidance for the request of authorisation of a food additive. (35KB) Updated 23-07-2009

Guidance on submission for food additive evaluations by the Scientific Committee on Food. This guidance has been endorsed by EFSA (2nd meeting of AFC Panel, 9 July 2003).