Food additives other than colours and sweeteners: amending Annexes

In general, the Council endorsed the Commission's approach with respect to the European Parliament's amendments by accepting the amendment which relates in particular to consulting once again the Scientific Committee on Food on the additive E467 and to withdraw this item from the proposal. On the other hand, the Council rejects the amendments relating to a specific Directive introducing the precautionary principle. The Council is of the opinion that the precautionary principle is already taken into account in this specific area because additives are only authorised to be used in foodstuffs after having been evaluated and declared safe by the Scientifc Committee. The other amendment rejected by Council relates to the prohibition of additives which are already in use. The Council states that the matter of the inflammability of the three gases is taken care of by restricting the vegetable oils containing these gases to professional use only. Furthermore, these products are to be labelled with a warning according to Council Directive 75/324/EEC relating to aerosol dispensers. In conclusion, the Council considers that the common position at one and the same time substantially meets the most important wishes expressed by the European Parliament and takes sufficient account of recent technological requirements and developments. The Council is of the opinion that the common position reflects a sound balance between the technological requirements of the industry and consumer expectations.�