Extraction solvents used in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients (3rd amend. Directive 88/344/EEC)

OBJECTIVE: to amend, for the third time and following the opinion of the Scientific Committee for Food, Directive 88/344/EEC on extraction solvents used in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients. COMMUNITY MEASURE: European Parliament and Council Directive 97/60/EC. SUBSTANCE: the amendments made by the new directive are intended to: - delete the authorization for certain solvents which are no longer used: butyl acetate and methyl-propan-l-ol; - amend the entry for hexane, for which the Scientific Committee for Food delivered a definitive agreement in June 1993; - authorize, as a result of scientific progress, the use of a new substance which received a favourable opinion from the Scientific Committee for Food in 1995: 1, 1, 1, 2-tetrafluoroethane as an extraction solvent in the preparation of flavourings. However a provision allows operators to place on the market products which do not comply with the directive until stocks are used up. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 23/12/1997 DEADLINE FOR TRANSPOSITION: 27/10/1998 �