Food supplements: carbomer
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EU authorises use of the food additive "carbomer" (E 1210) in food supplements
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/440 of 28 February 2023 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council and the Annex to Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 as regards the use of carbomer in food supplements
Update
The EU has published a new Regulation authorising the use of the food additive "carbomer" (E 1210) as a bulking agent and stabiliser in solid foods, and as a stabiliser and thickener in liquid food supplements. This additive will be included in the EU list of permitted food additives laid down in Annex II to Regulation (EC) 1333/2008. Its specifications have been added to the Annex of Regulation (EU) 231/2012.
Impacted Products
Food supplements (solid and liquid) excluding those for infants and young children
What is changing?
The EU now authorises the use of the food additive carbomer in food supplements. The specifications for carbomer (E 1210) are now included in Regulation (EU) 231/2012 (consolidated version, 22 March 2023), and it will be included in the EU list of food additives in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 for the first time.
Why?
EFSA (2021) evaluated the safety of crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymers (carbomer) when used as food additive, and concluded that its use in liquid food supplements at the maximum use level of 30,000 mg/kg, and in solid food supplements at the typical use level of 200,000 mg/kg, is not of safety concern.
Timeline
In force since 21 March 2023.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
Exporters to the EU can use carbomer (E 1210) in liquid food supplements at the maximum use level of 30,000 mg/kg, and in solid food supplements at the typical use level of 200,000 mg/kg.
Background
For more information on the rules on selling food supplements in the EU, including requirements regarding ingredients permitted, maximum levels, labelling and notification requirements, see Food supplements explained.
Resources
EFSA (2021) Safety evaluation of crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymers (carbomer) as a new food additive. EFSA Journal, 19(8): 6693.
Sources
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/440
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