(35) Unlike for small molecules, the molecular mass of a polymer is not one unique value. A given polymer may have a distribution of molecules with different masses. The distribution may depend on the way the polymer is produced. Polymer physical properties and behaviors are related to the mass and to the distribution of molecules with a certain mass in the mixture. A group of mathematical models describe the mixture in different ways in order to clarify the distribution of molecules in the mixture. Among the different models available, it is recommended in scientific literature to use the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to describe polymers. The specifications for polyvinylpyrrolidone (E 1201) should be adjusted accordingly.
(36) The criterion ‘Distillation range’ referred to in current specifications for propane-1,2 diol (E 1520) leads to contradictory conclusions compared to results from the assay. That criterion should therefore be corrected and renamed into ‘Distillation test’.
(37) The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health and neither the European Parliament nor the Council has opposed them,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Article 1
Specifications for food additives
Specifications for food additives including colours and sweeteners listed in Annex II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 are laid down in the Annex to this Regulation.
Article 2
Repeals
Directives 2008/60/EC, 2008/84/EC and 2008/128/EC are repealed with effect from 1 December 2012.
Article 3
Transitional measures
Foodstuffs containing food additives that have been lawfully placed on the market before 1 December 2012, but do not comply with this Regulation, may continue to be marketed until stocks are exhausted.
Article 4
Entry into force
This Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the
Official Journal of the European Union
.
It shall apply from 1 December 2012.
However, the specifications laid down in the Annex for additives steviol glycosides (E 960) and basic methacrylate copolymer (E 1205) shall apply from the date of entry into force of this Regulation.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 9 March 2012.
For the Commission
The President
José Manuel BARROSO
(1)
OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 16
.
(2)
OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 1
.
(3)
OJ L 6, 10.1.2009, p. 20
.
(4)
OJ L 253, 20.9.2008, p. 1
.
(5)
OJ L 158, 18.6.2008, p. 17
.
(6) EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS); Scientific Opinion on the use of Basic Methacrylate Copolymer as a food additive on request from the European Commission.
EFSA Journal
2010; 8(2):1513.
(7) EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS); Scientific Opinion on the safety of sucrose esters of fatty acids prepared from vinyl esters of fatty acids and on the extension of use of sucrose esters of fatty acids in flavourings on request from the European Commission.
EFSA Journal
2010; 8(3):1512.
(8) EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM); Scientific Opinion on Arsenic in Food.
EFSA Journal
2009; 7(10):1351.
(9)
OJ L 61, 18.3.1995, p. 1
.
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