Europe Food Flavor Regulatory Roundup: October 16–31, 2026
Europe Food & Flavor Regulatory Roundup: October 16–31, 2026
Flavorist.com Regulatory Intelligence · European markets · Updated November 9, 2026
The second half of October brought new EU rules on food additives, sweeteners, pesticide residues and food-contact plastics. The EU authorized curdlan (E 424), recognized a new production route for rebaudioside M, revised residue limits for seven pesticides and tightened traceability rules for recycled plastic packaging. In the UK, HMRC set out details of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy changes coming in 2028.
This roundup covers 22 regulatory developments published between October 16 and October 31, 2026, across the European Union and the United Kingdom. It includes legislation, safety assessments, consultations, import controls and compliance reports affecting flavors, sweeteners, additives, enzymes, novel foods, packaging and ingredient supply chains. Routine product recalls are excluded.
Each story states whether it is binding law or a step toward it. A positive scientific opinion or an open consultation does not authorize a product.
Contents
- EU legislation
- 1. EU tightens compliance and traceability rules for recycled plastic packaging
- 2. EU authorizes curdlan (E 424) as a food additive
- 3. EU recognizes a new production route for rebaudioside M
- 4. EU revises pesticide residue limits for six active substances
- 5. EU revises residue limits for the fungicide difenoconazole
- 6. EU authorizes four more substances for plastic food-contact materials
- 7. EU updates poultry import eligibility for Canada, the UK and the US
- 8. EU changes poultry import eligibility for Canada and the US
- 9. EU sets its position on new international wine-production standards
- EFSA scientific opinions and guidance
- 10. EFSA sets data requirements for bisphenols in food packaging
- 11. EFSA finds no safety concern in wider use of glycolipids (E 246)
- 12. EFSA backs recycled PET from the EREMA VACUREMA MPR process
- 13. EFSA finds edible Jatropha kernels safe as a traditional food
- 14. EFSA clears extended uses of Novozymes' lysophospholipase
- 15. EFSA evaluates Genencor's cellulase and glucanase enzyme
- EU consultations and compliance monitoring
- United Kingdom
- What to watch
EU legislation
1. EU tightens compliance and traceability rules for recycled plastic packaging
October 29 · European Union · Binding regulation · Food-contact materials
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2376 amends Regulation (EU) 2022/1616, the framework for recycled plastics that come into contact with food. It changes the rules on compliance documentation, registration of recycling installations, traceability, testing methods and customs checks on imported recycled plastics.
The regulation clarifies each operator's responsibilities along the recycled-plastic supply chain. It adds new declarations of compliance, including simplified paperwork for downstream operators and declarations covering plastic preprocessing. Businesses must keep supporting documents and hand them to authorities within set deadlines, and the EU register of recycling installations becomes more detailed. The rules enter into force on November 18, 2026, with transitional periods for some documentation requirements.
Why it matters: Food manufacturers using recycled packaging, along with converters and recyclers, need to check supplier declarations, traceability systems and import paperwork before the new rules take effect.
Sources: EUR-Lex; EU Publications Office
2. EU authorizes curdlan (E 424) as a food additive
October 19 · European Union · Binding regulation · Food additives
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2298 authorizes curdlan (E 424) for specified food uses and sets its purity specifications, amending Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008 and (EU) No 231/2012. Curdlan is a fermentation-derived polysaccharide that forms heat-stable gels and works as a gelling agent, stabilizer, thickener and binder.
Permitted categories include processed cheese, edible ices, fat emulsions and certain other foods, each with its own limits and conditions. Maximum levels are 40,000 mg/kg in processed cheese and 30,000 mg/kg in edible ices.
Why it matters: Curdlan gives developers of plant-based foods, alternative proteins, dairy products and texture systems a new tool. Suppliers should check permitted categories, maximum levels and specifications before launching curdlan formulations in the EU.
Sources: EUR-Lex; Food Compliance International
3. EU recognizes a new production route for rebaudioside M
October 19 · European Union · Binding regulation · Sweeteners
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2309 amends the specifications for enzymatically produced steviol glycosides (E 960c(ii)) to include rebaudioside M made by enzymatic conversion of highly purified rebaudioside A from stevia leaves. The process uses the genetically modified yeast Komagataella phaffii CGMCC 7539.
Reb M's sweetness profile makes it valuable in sugar-reduced foods and drinks. The amendment adds one more authorized production route; it is not a blanket approval for every fermentation-derived steviol glycoside or production strain.
Why it matters: Beverage makers, sweetness-modulation developers and flavor houses gain a wider sourcing base for Reb M, but must confirm that their supplier's method, strain and specifications match the authorized conditions.
4. EU revises pesticide residue limits for six active substances
October 16 · European Union · Binding regulation · Pesticide residues
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2289 changes maximum residue levels (MRLs) for acequinocyl, deltamethrin, dodine, maleic hydrazide, pinoxaden and prothioconazole. The new limits cover products including berries, grapes, kiwi fruit, melons, watermelons, cereal grains, oilseeds, vegetables and some animal-derived foods. They follow EFSA's evaluation of applications to modify existing limits. The regulation entered into force on November 5, 2026.
Why it matters: These crops feed into fruit concentrates, botanical extracts, flavor preparations, starches and vegetable oils. Ingredient buyers should update residue specifications, testing programs, certificates of analysis and supplier agreements, especially for imports.
Sources: EUR-Lex; EU Publications Office
5. EU revises residue limits for the fungicide difenoconazole
October 16 · European Union · Binding regulation · Pesticide residues
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2299 amends Annexes II and III of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 to change the maximum residue levels for difenoconazole. The changes follow EFSA's review of existing limits, import tolerances and consumer exposure. The new limits apply from May 5, 2027, with transitional provisions for products placed on the market before then.
Why it matters: Difenoconazole is used on fruits, vegetables and grains, so the change can reach botanical extracts, fruit-derived ingredients and plant-based flavor preparations. Quality teams should identify affected commodities, compare the new limits with current specifications and tell suppliers, particularly under long-term import contracts.
Sources: EUR-Lex; EU Publications Office
6. EU authorizes four more substances for plastic food-contact materials
October 29 · European Union · Binding regulation · Food-contact materials
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2412 adds four substances to the Union list in Regulation (EU) No 10/2011: chopped carbon fibers for specified polyether ether ketone (PEEK) uses, uncoated nano-precipitated calcium carbonate, a poly(2-hydroxypropanoic acid) ester additive for polylactic acid, and a diamine mixture used to make polyamide.
Each authorization comes with conditions on polymer composition, concentration, contact conditions and migration limits, plus restrictions for sensitive uses such as infant formula and human milk. Approval for one plastic application does not cover every material or food category.
Why it matters: Packaging suppliers and food companies working on sustainable or high-performance packaging should review declarations of compliance, migration-test data and intended contact conditions.
Sources: EUR-Lex; Food Packaging Forum
7. EU updates poultry import eligibility for Canada, the UK and the US
October 29 · European Union · Binding implementing regulation · Imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2466 further amends Annexes V and XIV of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404, which list the countries and zones allowed to export poultry products to the EU. The changes cover Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, including parts of northeastern England, and respond to avian influenza outbreaks. Whether a restriction applies depends on the origin territory and product category.
Why it matters: Companies importing poultry meat or using poultry ingredients in ready meals and processed foods should check the latest country and zone listings before each shipment, especially with suppliers in several locations.
Sources: EUR-Lex; EU Publications Office
8. EU changes poultry import eligibility for Canada and the US
October 19 · European Union · Binding implementing regulation · Imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2328 amends the entries for Canada and the United States in Annexes V and XIV of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404. These annexes govern imports of live poultry, poultry germinal products, fresh poultry meat and game-bird meat. The changes adjust authorized zones in response to highly pathogenic avian influenza. Story 7 covers a further amendment ten days later.
Why it matters: Importers sourcing poultry for soups, ready meals and meat ingredients should confirm their consignments come from authorized zones and that veterinary certificates reflect current EU conditions.
Source: EUR-Lex
9. EU sets its position on new international wine-production standards
October 19 · European Union · Council decision · Wine and processing aids
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2344 sets the EU's position on technical resolutions before the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). They cover microbiological stabilization using pulsed electric fields, sweetening and production practices for partially de-alcoholized wines, yeast mannoproteins, fermentation activators and treatment materials.
One resolution would raise the permitted sorbic acid level from 200 to 250 mg/L for specified wines made from Vitis labrusca varieties and hybrids, subject to national rules. Others concern citric acid, oenological tannins, polydimethylsiloxane and the stabilization of musts and wines. The decision is a negotiating position and does not itself authorize these practices in the EU.
Why it matters: Wine producers, suppliers of processing aids and developers of low- and no-alcohol wine flavors should follow how these international standards evolve.
Sources: EU Publications Office; Legalize.dev
EFSA scientific opinions and guidance
10. EFSA sets data requirements for bisphenols in food packaging
October 16 · European Union · Scientific guidance · Food-contact materials
EFSA has published guidance on the data needed to assess bisphenols other than bisphenol A (BPA), and their derivatives, in food-contact materials. It complements Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, which restricts BPA and certain other hazardous bisphenols, and addresses the risk that replacement chemicals behave like BPA.
Applicants may need data on migration, immunotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, metabolic effects and toxicokinetics. The guidance covers several exposure levels and both plastic and non-plastic materials. It does not ban every alternative bisphenol or approve any specific replacement.
Why it matters: The scope reaches beyond packaging to processing equipment, storage containers and protective coatings. Suppliers should review bisphenol substitutes and check whether more toxicology data will be needed.
Sources: EFSA Journal; EFSA
11. EFSA finds no safety concern in wider use of glycolipids (E 246)
October 23 · European Union · Scientific opinion · Preservatives
EFSA has assessed a proposal to extend glycolipids (E 246), an antimicrobial preservative already authorized in some beverages such as flavored drinks, liquid tea concentrates and alcohol-free beer, to 11 more food categories. Estimated exposure from existing and proposed uses stayed below the acceptable daily intake of 10 mg/kg body weight per day, and EFSA found no safety concern at the levels evaluated.
The new uses are not authorized until the European Commission amends the food-additive rules.
Why it matters: The opinion opens a path to wider use of a natural-origin preservative in beverages, dairy, meat and other foods. Manufacturers should follow the next regulatory steps before reformulating.
Source: EFSA Journal
12. EFSA backs recycled PET from the EREMA VACUREMA MPR process
October 28 · European Union · Scientific opinion · Food-contact materials
EFSA concluded that post-consumer PET recycled through the EREMA_VACUREMA MPR process raises no safety concern at up to 100% recycled content, provided the specified manufacturing and use conditions are met. The assessment covers long-term storage at room temperature or below, including hot-fill. It excludes drinking water, reconstituted infant formula, human milk, and microwave or oven use.
Why it matters: Packaging makers moving away from virgin plastic should check that process parameters, input materials and intended uses match EFSA's assessment. A positive opinion is not unrestricted authorization of the recycled material.
Source: EFSA Journal
13. EFSA finds edible Jatropha kernels safe as a traditional food
October 28 · European Union · Scientific opinion · Novel foods
EFSA has assessed roasted, ground kernels from an edible variety of Jatropha curcas L., known as Xuta, which has a history of consumption in Mexico. The ingredient is intended for grain-based foods and soups. Earlier reviews raised concerns about phorbol esters, potentially toxic compounds found in some Jatropha varieties.
The applicant supplied new data on phorbol esters, contaminants, pesticide residues, microbiological quality and controls against mixing with non-edible kernels. EFSA concluded the concerns were resolved and the ingredient is safe under the proposed conditions. This opinion is not itself an EU marketing authorization.
Why it matters: Xuta could become a new seed-derived ingredient for plant-based and specialty foods. Developers should verify sourcing, variety identity, contaminant controls and authorization status.
Sources: EFSA Journal; EFSA
14. EFSA clears extended uses of Novozymes' lysophospholipase
October 29 · European Union · Scientific opinion · Food enzymes
EFSA has assessed an extension of use for a lysophospholipase from Novozymes A/S, made with the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain NZYM-LP. The enzyme was previously evaluated for two food-manufacturing processes, and the applicant asked to add two more. EFSA updated its exposure assessment, calculated a margin of exposure of at least 21,871, and found no safety concern under the revised conditions.
Why it matters: The opinion supports enzyme-based lipid modification, including in fermented dairy. Suppliers should check which processes were assessed and the exposure assumptions used, since the opinion is not a blanket authorization.
Source: EFSA Journal
15. EFSA evaluates Genencor's cellulase and glucanase enzyme
October 16 · European Union · Scientific opinion · Food enzymes
EFSA has evaluated an enzyme preparation with cellulase and endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase activity from Genencor International B.V., produced by a non-genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain, DP-Nzc104. It was submitted for eight food-manufacturing processes. EFSA calculated exposure for six: in one process the enzyme had no technological function, and in another the enzyme-derived solids are removed. The evaluation also confirmed the absence of viable production cells in the preparation.
Why it matters: These enzymes help manufacturers processing plant carbohydrates control hydrolysis and improve efficiency. Companies should check which processes and exposure assumptions the opinion covers.
Sources: EFSA Journal; PubMed
EU consultations and compliance monitoring
16. Commission reports suspected agri-food fraud cases for September
October 26 · European Union · Compliance report · Food integrity
The European Commission's monthly report on suspected agri-food fraud, covering September, lists cross-border notifications involving composition problems, unauthorized ingredients, undeclared additives, misleading labels and traceability failures. Cases included honey suspected of adulteration, spices with unauthorized treatments or residues, confectionery with problematic additives, and products with labeling or documentation discrepancies. The notifications are suspicions or compliance findings, not proven fraud.
Why it matters: Botanicals, spice extracts, food colors, honey and imported agricultural ingredients remain high-risk areas. Suppliers should strengthen authenticity testing, batch traceability and checks on additive authorizations, particularly where suppliers operate under different national rules.
Sources: European Commission; AGRINFO
17. EU opens consultation on genetically modified soybean MON 94313 × MON 89788
October 26 · European Union · Public consultation · GMOs
Following EFSA's scientific opinion on genetically modified soybean MON 94313 × MON 89788 for food and feed, the European Commission opened a one-month public consultation under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003. The consultation is a procedural step and does not authorize the soybean for the EU market.
Why it matters: Soy reaches food and flavor products as proteins, oils and emulsifiers. Procurement teams should follow the procedure, review supplier GMO declarations and consider labeling and traceability implications.
Source: European Commission
18. EU consults on renewing authorization for a genetically modified maize stack
October 16 · European Union · Public consultation · GMOs
The European Commission opened a one-month consultation on EFSA's assessment of renewing the authorization for genetically modified maize Bt11 × MIR162 × MIR604 × GA21 and its sub-combinations, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003. It is a procedural step, not a new authorization.
Why it matters: Maize is a major source of starches, glucose syrups, sweeteners and fermentation substrates. Corn processors and ingredient buyers should confirm that the events they use are covered and keep traceability procedures current.
Source: European Commission
United Kingdom
19. HMRC updates guidance on Soft Drinks Industry Levy changes
October 28 · United Kingdom · Government guidance · Beverages
HM Revenue & Customs has updated its guidance on previously announced changes to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL). From January 1, 2028, the threshold drops from 5 grams to 4.5 grams of added sugar per 100 milliliters. The exemptions for milk-based and milk-substitute drinks with added sugar will end, with separate calculations for naturally occurring lactose. Administrative changes take effect on April 1, 2027.
Why it matters: Flavored drinks, milk-based beverages and plant-based alternatives face reformulation or higher tax. Demand for sweetness enhancers, bitterness maskers and sugar-reduction systems is likely to rise.
Source: HMRC
20. Great Britain widens foot-and-mouth disease import safeguards
October 27–28 · United Kingdom · Binding import safeguards · Animal by-products
DEFRA has introduced safeguards restricting imports of hay, straw and certain animal by-products from countries and territories not recognized as free of foot-and-mouth disease. They apply from October 27 in England and Wales and October 28 in Scotland. Imports from affected territories are banned unless risk-mitigation requirements are met, and some treated materials still qualify.
The measures replace earlier country-specific controls, including those on Greece and Cyprus, with rules based on internationally recognized animal-health status. They are not a general ban on meat or animal-derived food imports.
Why it matters: Businesses using animal-derived raw materials, particularly those working across food, pet food, feed and ingredient supply chains, should check origin documents and treatment requirements.
Sources: DEFRA; GOV.UK veterinary notice
21. UK regulators find no safety concern in higher DHA algal oil intake
October 20 · United Kingdom · Safety assessment · Novel foods
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have assessed a proposal to extend use of Schizochytrium sp. (ATCC PTA-9695) oil, a fermentation-derived source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The application would raise the permitted level in food supplements to 1 gram of DHA a day for people aged three and over, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. The 250 mg a day limit for children under three would stay.
The agencies found no safety concern or nutritional disadvantage for the intended groups. Permitted intake levels do not change until the formal authorization is completed.
Why it matters: The decision would open room for higher-dose DHA supplements. Algal oil suppliers should follow the authorization and review use levels, specifications and age-related labeling.
Source: Food Standards Agency
22. UK expert advice published on AM-1 glycolipids preservative
October 27 · United Kingdom · Expert committee advice · Preservatives
The UK Committee on Toxicity (COT) has published its advice on AM-1 glycolipids, a fermentation-derived preservative produced by the fungus Dacryopinax spathularia and proposed mainly for beverages. The committee raised concerns about whether long-term intake of an antimicrobial substance could affect gut microorganisms.
A separate FSA and FSS assessment concluded that additional evidence addressed those concerns. It found no safety concern under the proposed uses and set an acceptable daily intake of 3.3 mg/kg body weight per day. The two documents serve different purposes and should be read together.
Why it matters: Beverage makers considering the ingredient should check strain identity, purity, antimicrobial performance, toxicology data and UK authorization status before use.
Sources: UK Committee on Toxicity; Food Standards Agency
What to watch
| Date | Change | Story |
|---|---|---|
| November 5, 2026 | New residue limits for six pesticides in force | 4 |
| November 18, 2026 | Recycled plastic compliance rules in force | 1 |
| April 1, 2027 | UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy administrative changes | 19 |
| May 5, 2027 | New difenoconazole residue limits apply | 5 |
| January 1, 2028 | UK sugar levy threshold falls to 4.5 g/100 ml; milk-drink exemption ends | 19 |
- Sweetness and texture get new tools. The Reb M production route and the curdlan authorization widen formulation options, while the UK levy changes add pressure to cut sugar in drinks, including milk-based ones.
- Natural preservation is advancing. Glycolipids (E 246) in the EU and AM-1 glycolipids in the UK both cleared safety reviews, though neither is yet authorized for the new uses.
- Packaging compliance is getting stricter. Recycled-plastic traceability rules, four new plastic substances, EFSA's bisphenol guidance and a positive recycled-PET opinion all call for updated supplier documentation.
- Raw-material checks matter more. New pesticide limits, the September fraud report and shifting poultry and animal by-product import rules point to tighter testing and origin checks for agricultural ingredients.
- Scientific opinions are not approvals. Five EFSA opinions and two UK assessments in this period support future authorizations but do not change what is legal today.