title: Safety and necessity of antioxidants: EEC approach.
abstract: As neither 'safety' nor 'necessity' in the context of food additives is absolute, it is not surprising that agreement on conditions of use of additives requires patient consultation between governments and scientists. The Scientific Committee for Food (SCF) of the European Economic Community plays an important role in advising government authorities on the safety of food additives, including antioxidants. This paper identifies important factors contributing to the development of a single rule applying to the use of antioxidants throughout the EEC. The legislative framework, the need for antioxidants, and estimates of antioxidant intake by persons within the 12 independent States of the EEC are reviewed. Also presented are the results of the SCF's recent review of ascorbates, BHA, BHT, TBHQ, gallates and erythorbic acid.
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants; D005062:European Union; D005503:Food Additives; D006801:Humans; D012449:Safety
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D005503:Food Additives