My Department has issued draft UK regulations for consultation on implementing EC directives on sweeteners and colours. It shall also be issuing shortly draft UK regulations for consultation on implementing an EC directive on food additives other than sweeteners and colours. These directives fully harmonise legislation controlling the use of the principal classes of food additives throughout the EC. They will enable six sets of UK regulations to be revoked.

Consolidation of the regulations setting limits for lead, arsenic and aflatoxin in food, is in abeyance, whilst discussions about introducing EC harmonising regulations in this area are on-going.