The European Union (EU) market has always been famous for its strict food safety standards, aiming to protect consumers' health. The year 2025 will mark an important milestone with the tightening of regulations on food additives, bringing both challenges and opportunities for exporters worldwide. For Vietnamese businesses, especially in the beverage and juice industry, mastering these changes is the key to maintaining and expanding market share in this lucrative market.
1. Introducing new regulations on food additives in the EU (applicable from 2025)
The European Union, through bodies such as the European Commission (EC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), constantly reviews and updates its list of permitted additives. The main goal is to ensure that any additives used are completely safe and do not mislead consumers. New regulations, which will come into effect in 2025, are expected to focus on reviewing and re-evaluating long-permitted additives, as well as more rigorous testing for new additives. This is a result of recent scientific research and growing consumer awareness of the importance of “clean” foods with fewer additives. According to reports from FoodBev and BeverageDaily, the focus will be on reducing the use of artificial colors, preservatives and sweeteners, while promoting more natural options.
2. List of prohibited/restricted substances
NamVietGroup_EU Tightens Food Additive Regulations
While the detailed list of banned or restricted substances may change depending on final updates from the EC and EFSA, there are a number of groups of additives that have been targeted for closer scrutiny:
- Some artificial colouring agents: For example, some azo colours (such as Sunset Yellow FCF - E110, Tartrazine - E102) have come under scrutiny due to concerns about their impact on children's behaviour. The EU already has strict restrictions on the labelling of products containing these substances. New regulations may further tighten their use or even ban some of them altogether.
- Artificial sweeteners: Aspartame (E951), Acesulfame K (E950), Sucralose (E955) are under further review by EFSA. While currently permitted within limits, new research may lead to a reduction in the maximum permitted limit or clearer labelling requirements.
- Preservatives: Some benzoates (E210-E213) or sulfites (E220-E228) may have their permitted levels reduced or be banned in certain foods, especially beverages, due to their potential to cause allergies or other adverse health effects at high levels.
- Controversial additives: Substances that have been linked to emerging research on negative effects on the gut microbiome or other potential health problems will be the focus of future assessments.
Note: Exporters should closely monitor official updates from the EC and EFSA portals for the most accurate list.
3. Impact on soft drink and juice exporters
The new regulations will have a significant impact on the beverage and juice industry, which typically uses a certain amount of additives to improve taste, colour and shelf life.
Product reformulation:
- Manufacturers will have to review their existing formulations to remove or replace banned/restricted additives. This may require investment in research and development (R&D) to find natural alternatives or optimise production processes to minimise the need for additives.
- Practical examples: Some juice manufacturers have switched from using synthetic preservatives to more advanced sterilisation methods (e.g. high pressure sterilisation - HPP) or using natural preservatives such as rosemary extract or naturally derived citric acid.
- Flavor and color challenges: The removal of artificial colors and sweeteners can affect the sensory appearance of the product. Businesses need to look for natural solutions such as fruit and vegetable extracts for color, or use natural stevia and erythritol for sweetening, while still ensuring product quality and stability.
- Increased production costs: Changing raw materials, production technology and quality control processes can increase initial costs. However, in the long term, compliance with these regulations will enhance brand reputation and competitiveness in the EU market.
