• EU directive 87/107 (plus amendments)
  Relating to food additives in general
• EU directive 95/2 (plus amendments)
  Relating to food additives other than colors and sweeteners
• EU directive 96/77 (plus amendments)
  Relating to specific purity criteria for additives other than colors and sweeteners
• EU directive 2000/13 (plus amendments)
  Relating to labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs

Many different antioxidants are available today, ranging from traditional BHA, BHT and propyl gallate to natural tocopherols and rosemary extract. Depending on your application, limits on usage may apply.

EU directive 95/2 specifies maximum concentrations of specific additives per application. It also specifies which additives may be used quantum satis (i.e. no maximum level is specified, provided that additives shall be used in accordance with good manufacturing practice, at a level not higher than is necessary to achieve the intended purpose and provided that they do not mislead the consumer). Limits vary per application. For example, rules for baby food are far stricter than for adult food. We recommend to you check the legislation for your specific application.

EU directive 2000/13 deals with product labeling. Regarding the use of antioxidants, two basic options are available: the word “antioxidant” followed by either the approved name or the E-number.

All of the above legislation can be found on the website of the European Commission.