Flavour regulation across the UK and Europe sets strict standards to ensure flavourings remain safe for consumers.
Whether used in a soft drink, a pet food or a toothpaste, flavourings must meet strict safety and labelling requirements before they can be used in consumer products.
The main legal framework is Regulation (EC) No. 1334/2008 on flavourings and certain food ingredients with flavouring properties for use in and on foods. All flavourings used in food and drink must comply with this regulation.
How are flavourings regulated in the UK?
In the UK, the regulation of flavourings in food and drink is overseen by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The primary framework is:
Retained Regulation (EC) No. 1334/2008
This legislation, originally developed under EU law and now retained in UK assimilated into GB law post-Brexit, governs:
• The types of flavourings permitted in food
• The use of flavouring substances, flavouring preparations and other flavourings
• Labelling requirements
• Evaluation and safety assessment procedures
Flavouring substances must be included on the UK GB positive list of authorised substances. This ensures that only flavouring substances that have undergone scientific risk assessment and approval can be used.
Role of the Food Standards Agency (FSA)
The FSA plays a critical role in regulating flavourings in the UK, including:
• Reviewing applications for new flavouring substances
• Conducting or commissioning safety assessments
• Monitoring compliance across the food industry
• Liaising with international regulators to ensure alignment and safety
Global regulation and export
Flavour companies based in the UK often supply products internationally, meaning they must navigate multiple regulatory systems. While many countries have similar scientific approaches to flavour safety, the specific rules and approvals may differ.
EU & US flavour regulations
European Union
UK flavour houses exporting to the EU must comply with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1334/2008 as it applies in EU Member States. Products must also use substances authorised on the EU positive list and follow EU labelling and compositional rules.
United States
In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates flavourings. Substances must be either:
• Recognised as safe under GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) status, or
• Approved as food additives following a premarket review
Other international markets
Countries such as China, Japan, Australia and Canada each have their own flavour regulations. Many follow guidance from international bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the Codex Alimentarius.
UK flavour companies must ensure their products meet the relevant regulatory requirements in each destination market, which may involve:
• Additional safety assessments
• Country-specific labelling
• Registration of flavouring substances
A shared goal: consumer safety
Although specific regulations vary from country to country, they all share a common objective: to ensure flavourings are safe for consumers.
UK flavour houses invest significant time and resources into understanding and complying with global regulations, often working with specialist regulatory teams to ensure:
• The correct documentation is supplied
• All applicable legal and labelling requirements are met
• Products can be used confidently by food manufacturers across markets
