The new European Union Flavouring Regulation and its impact on essential oils: production of natural flavouring ingredients and maximum levels of restricted substances

ABSTRACT In the last years several new European Regulations and Directives have been adopted or announced in relation to flavours and fragrances. As essential oils and extracts are very important ingredients for flavouring and fragrance applications, these new regulations will have a major impact on the trade and use in commerce of these essential oils and extracts. The present paper focuses on a major piece of legislation that is of particular importance for the Flavour Industry, namely the new Flavouring Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008) that will replace the former Flavouring Directive 88/388/EEC. Especially the impact on labelling resulting from the difference between the new Flavouring Regulation and the former “Flavour Directive” will be discussed from a B2B (Business to Business) perspective. Special focus will be given to labelling of “natural flavourings” (including essential oils) and the changes in definitions (e.g. what is “natural”) in the new Flavouring Regulation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.