(1)

Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 lays down a Union list of food additives approved for use in food and their conditions of use.

(2)

That list may be updated in accordance with the common procedure referred to in Article 3(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2), either on the initiative of the Commission or following an application.

(3)

On 28 May 2014 an application was submitted for the authorisation of the use of erythritol (E 968) as a flavour enhancer in flavoured drinks, food category 14.1.4 of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. The application was subsequently made available to the Member States pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008.

(4)

The use of erythritol (E 968) is requested to improve the flavour profile and mouth feel of energy-reduced beverages and beverages with no added sugars in such a way that they taste similar to full-sugar products. Erythritol at low levels acts as a flavour enhancer and helps mitigating the off-tastes and lingering sweetness associated with the use of high-intensity sweeteners in those beverages. The benefit for consumers would thus be the availability of better-tasting energy-reduced beverages or beverages with no added sugars.

(5)

In 2003, the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) concluded that erythritol (E 968) is safe for use in foods. The approval of erythritol (E 968) by the Union does not yet cover its use in beverages because the SCF opinion stated that the laxative threshold may be exceeded, especially by young consumers, through ingestion of erythritol in beverages.

(6)

On 12 February 2015 the European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) issued an opinion (3) on the safety of the proposed extension of use of erythritol (E 968) as a food additive. The Authority concluded that the acute bolus consumption (single drinking occasion) of erythritol via non-alcoholic beverages at a maximum level of 1,6 % would not raise concerns for laxation. The Authority based its conclusion on data comprising an exposure estimate taking into account the proposed maximum level of 1,6 % erythritol in non-alcoholic beverages, the history of use of erythritol, its absorption characteristics and the lack of adverse findings, including laxation, following exposure to it.

(7)

For that reason, it is appropriate to authorise the use of erythritol (E 968) as a flavour enhancer in flavoured drinks, food category 14.1.4 of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, at a maximum level of 1,6 %.

(8)

Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 should therefore be amended accordingly.

(9)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,