Mercosur's 2024 Major Transformation: New Regulations on Food Additives

In an important update in the field of food safety and quality management, Mercosur (the Southern Common Market) issued Consultation Document 03/24 on July 8, 2024, aimed at revising the existing regulations on food additives. This move reflects the organization's continued commitment to consumer health and food safety, as well as its adaptation to the development of food technology. According to the new document, Resolutions GMC 09/06 and 63/18 will be subject to revisions, and the public consultation period will last until September 6, 2024, to ensure that all stakeholders can fully express their opinions and suggestions.

The main focus of the revision is on the introduction of two new food additives. Firstly, rosemary extract (INS 392) will be approved as an antioxidant for use in fresh cured meats, dried sausages, canned meats, and dehydrated meat products. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that has been widely studied and proven to effectively extend the shelf life of foods and prevent oxidation-induced spoilage. According to the proposal, the maximum usage limit is set at 0.015g/100g, a dosage that ensures food safety while also considering the original flavor and texture of the food.

Secondly, jagua (genipina-glicina) (INS 183) will be approved as a coloring agent for use in ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverages. Jagua is a natural pigment derived from a tropical plant, known for its unique blue hue. Its application in foods will provide consumers with a more diverse visual experience, and its natural source characteristics also align with the current consumer preference for natural food additives. The proposed usage limit is 0.04g/100ml, aimed at ensuring its safety and not affecting the original flavor of the food.

The background for this revision is the ongoing evolution of global food additive regulations and the growing consumer demand for transparency and naturalness in food ingredients. Mercosur's decision will have a profound impact on the food producers in its member countries, prompting them to focus more on the safety and functionality of food additives in their product development and production processes.

This revision aims to balance food safety, product innovation, and consumer demands by introducing new food additives, in order to adapt to the constantly changing food market environment. However, the use of any additive must be carried out under strict scientific evaluation and regulation to ensure the full protection of consumer interests. Therefore, the feedback from the public consultation period will play a crucial role in the formulation of the final resolution.