Food additives other than colours and sweeteners: amending Annexes

In adopting the report by Mr. Paul LANNOYE (Green/EFA, B), the European Parliament approves the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive amending Directive 95/2/EC on food additives other than colours and sweeteners. The proposal was, however, subject to amendments which relate to the pressing need to guarantee food safety through the application of the precautionary principle. A new recital states that additives whose harmlessness is in any doubt must not be authorised. In addition, the specific benefit to the consumer must be clearly stated at each approval of new additives during any amendment of Directive 95/2/EC. Furthermore, the addition of a new additive 'E 949 Hydrogen' is inserted in the table in Annex I. A row is also added to Annex II which relates to peeled and cut ready-to-eat carrots (E 401 Sodium alginate), and to Annex IV relating to chewing gum (E 650 Zinc acetate).�