Swedes defend strict rules on food additives

Date: 14/01/1999

By Renée Cordes and Gareth Harding

SWEDEN is considering launching a legal challenge to the European Commission's decision that its strict regulations on food additives breach EU single market rules.

The Commission told Stockholm earlier this month that it was not entitled to keep its restrictions on the use of azo dyes and cyclamates - artificial sweeteners used in desserts and other foodstuffs - which are tougher than the Union's own rules.

EU law allows individual member states to set stricter standards if they can be justified on sound environmental or health reasons.

Stockholm argues that its regulations are necessary to protect consumers who might be allergic to azo dyes. But the Commission insists that there is no need to prohibit their use because manufacturers are legally obliged to inform the public of the potential allergy risk.

Officials also question the scientific findings cited by the Swedish government, which have suggested a possible link between azo dyes and some types of cancer.

“The Commission considers that, while the Swedish measures are meant to protect public health, they are excessive in relation to this aim,” the institution said late last week.

Swedish officials said they were studying the institution's decision. “The reply from the Commission is being analysed, but I think that there is a possibility of an appeal to the court,” said one.

She added that the government might also launch a campaign to try to persuade other member states to tighten up the EU's 1995 food additive laws on colourants and sweeteners.