EU regulations on food additives are getting stricter – new rules on the use of preservatives and sweeteners

EU Regulations 2025/2058 and 2025/2060 amend the basic Regulation 1333/2008/EC in several ways: they clarified the limits for the use of the sweetener Advantame (E 969) and allowed the use of sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202) in non-heat-treated, plant-based foams. Pasteurization is not possible in these products, so preservatives guarantee microbiological safety with a maximum quantitative limit of 500 mg/kg.

Another novelty is the tightening of the regulation of quillaja extract (E 999). EU Regulation 2025/2084 extends the use of the extract to flavourings and food supplements, while requiring the precise definition of the saponin content and the reduction of the limits for heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium). In future, the use quantity must be expressed in saponin, while a transitional period until 9 May 2026 is granted to manufacturers to adapt to the stricter specifications.

The regulations entered into force on 4 and 9 November 2025 and are directly applicable in all EU Member States. The amendments aim to improve food safety and reduce health risks to consumers when using additives.