EFSA Declares Gum Rosin Unsafe as Food Additive

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has declared a stabilising and emulsifying ingredient derived from gum rosin as unsafe.

The EFSA’s Scientific Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food said there was insufficient data on GEGR and its similarity to glycerol esters of wood rosin (GEWR), which is currently authorised in Europe.

The panel said the chemical and toxicological characterisation of GEGR is not adequate and the absence of toxicological reports prevents the evaluation of its safety.

Emulsifiers and stabilisers are classes of food additives regulated under Directive 95/2/EC of the European Parliament.

Under the directive, GEWR can be used in non-alcoholic flavoured cloudy drinks and certain cloudy spirits up to a maximum level of 100mg/l.