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6 July 2016 - Norbert Erdős – [E-005525-16] - Subject: Scientific grounds for restricting the use of xylitol as a sweetener:
With
reference to the Commission's answer to my Question E-003959/2016 [http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=WQ&reference=E-2016-003959&language=EN],
I would like to put the following questions to the Commission:
1. What
is the scientific reason, particularly in relation to human health, why the
European Union strictly restricts the use of xylitol as a sweetener?
2. To
whom within the Commission (name, address, telephone number, e-mail address)
may a business operating within the EU turn for information if it wishes to use
xylitol as a sweetener in the manufacture of food?
Answer
given by Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission (12 August 2016):
«The Commission would
refer the Honourable Member to its response to written question E-003959/2016[1]
on the subject of the use of xylitol as both an additive and a sweetener.
In accordance with Regulation (EC) No
1333/2008 on food additives[2]
a food additive may be used as a sweetener only if, in addition to serving one
or more of the purposes set out in Article 6(2), it serves one or more of the
purposes set out in Article 7 "Specific conditions for sweeteners".
Xylitol is permitted as a sweetener
in a variety of foods not including beverages. No upper limit is specified.
Xylitol was evaluated by the
Scientific Committee for Food[3]
which considered its use acceptable provided limitations due to its laxative
action were kept in mind. Excessive ingestion of polyol-based sweeteners may
cause such undesirable effects; therefore ingestion of high amounts of this
compound should be taken into account when considering its appropriate levels
of use, alone or in combination with other polyols.
All information on food additives,
including the common authorisation procedure in the EU and the practical
guidance for applicants is available online[4],
including the contact details of the service and person to contact for further
information.».
[1] http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html
[2] Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008
of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food
additives
[3] Reports
from the Scientific Committee for Food (16th series). Opinion expressed 1984.
Food science and techniques, 1985.
