Food additive regulations vary by country, but generally involve testing for short- and long-term health risks before setting limits on usage and labeling requirements. Additives can be natural or synthetic and are monitored by government agencies. Controversy can arise if new information emerges, but changing regulations can be difficult. Some additives may not be subject to regulation.
Many countries around the world enforce food additive regulations to protect public health and the food supply. While food additive regulations differ, government agencies usually first regulate possible short- and long-term health risks based on the levels of the food additive that may be consumed. Once testing is complete and the food additive is deemed safe, they form rules to limit the amount of food additive to be used and the types of foods it can be added to, and designate how the additive will appear on food packaging.
A food additive is any substance added to processed foods to preserve food texture, enhance flavor, or preserve food quality. These substances can be either natural food additives not typically used as foods on a standalone basis or synthetic additives. Food additive regulations are monitored by government organizations to serve the public welfare and are preceded by years of testing to determine any health risks or toxicity a food additive might present. Because many substances are harmful to human health when consumed at high enough levels, food additive testing will also determine levels harmful to humans and compare that data to intended use.
If an additive is harmful at levels well above what a consumer could reasonably consume, it may still be considered safe at low levels generally consumed. Testing of food additives will also determine whether long-term consumption could cause harm. Sometimes food additives may be safe in the short term but can cause cancer or genetic damage if used over many years.
Once a food additive is deemed safe, the government agency will decide how to regulate it. For example, the European Food Safety Authority bases its decisions on the results of specific tests. This will determine whether the food additive is needed, ensure that no health risks exist, and then ensure that food additive information is clearly communicated to the public. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sets regulations after determining the composition of the additive, deciding how it will likely be consumed, and then determining the health and safety risks.
Controversy sometimes develops when research isn’t conclusive about a food additive or preservative, or when new information emerges. Organizations that regulate food additives have the power to reconsider whether a food additive can be allowed and to change the way it is used. Once approved, it is more difficult to change the regulations, as the burden of proof often falls on the activists presenting the new information. Other commonly used food additives can fall through the cracks and avoid the approval process due to their specific definition. These can include certain vitamins, minerals and supplements. Some food packaging products and condiments may not be subject to food additive regulations in many countries.
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