Italian health ministry cracks down on use of activated charcoal in 'black bread'
07th January 2016
Following concerns raised by trade organizations believed to include the Coldiretti farmers’ lobby, the Italian Ministry of Health has issued new guidelines on the production and marketing of so-called ‘black bread’, or pane con carbone vegetale (bread with vegetable carbon).
The new guidance states that any product containing activated charcoal, which is one source of food coloring E153 Carbon Black, cannot be marketed as a ‘bread’, as the use of colorings in bread is not allowed under EU law. Activated charcoal can, however, be used in 'fine bakery' products.
You can read the full article HERE
Food Labelling Services comments:
The use of additives in food products is restricted by regulation 1129/2011. There is a union list of food additives, and the additives used n food products have to be authorised as per this regulation, to ensure that they are permitted for use. Food LabellingServices can advise on whether additives are allowedin certain products.