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Feb 9, 2026 - Foods

EU Commission publishes updated descriptors for the Additives Regulation

Teaser (1–2 sentences):
The European Commission has published version 8 of the Guidance Documents on food categories under the Additives Regulation. The update brings more precise descriptors and new categories with relevant impacts on product development and legal classification of foods.

News release:
The European Commission has presented version 8 of the Guidance Documents on food categories in accordance with the Additives Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. The document serves as an interpretation aid for the correct allocation of foods to the categories in Part E of Annex II and is thus decisive for the admissibility and maximum levels of food additives.

Several clarifications and expansions were made in the current version. A new category 1.10 for milk-based drinks and similar products for infants, including plant-based alternatives, has been added. Further clarifications concern plant oil-based baking sprays (category 2.3), pre-cooked or processed cereal foods (category 6.7), bread and rolls (category 7.1), and fish roe (category 9.3). Moreover, new subcategories for meal replacement products for weight control and for gluten-reduced or gluten-free foods have been added in category 18.

Although the Guidance Document is not legally binding, it is regularly used in official practice and therefore has high practical relevance. Food manufacturers are recommended to consider the updates when reviewing existing products and developing new formulations.