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Application A603 – Erythrosine in Food Colouring Preparations – Initial Assessment Report

23 October 2008

Dear Sir/Madam

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this application. The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has the following comments to make.

NZFSA is interested in further evidence of technological need being provided, particularly from other cake decorating suppliers, bakers, or those with expertise or interests in cake decorating.

NZFSA notes that the ADI is relatively low and the permitted use of erythrosine has been severely limited in the Food Standards Code to date. If there is sufficient justification for extending the use of the colour, we suggest that consideration be given to possible measures to ensure it is only permitted where there is technological justification and then only if dietary exposure assessments indicate that risks to public health is acceptable. For example the permissions for use could be limited to icing on cakes or icing on bakery products. Furthermore directions for use on the food colouring preparations labels could be required to state “for use in icing for cake decorating purposes only”. Such restrictions could help simplify the dietary assessment.

Yours sincerely