The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a public consultation for the market authorization of one food additive, one feed additive, one food flavoring, three genetically modified organisms, one food contact material, and two novel foods, as well as the removal of eight permitted flavoring substances.

Specifically, in response to applications for market authorizations, FSA is proposing to approve or extend the following substances or uses for substances:

• A new specification of steviol glycosides (E 960b) produced by fermentation as a sweetener food additive
• The new authorization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1079, a functional feed additive used as a gut flora stabilizer in livestock for rearing and fattening
• The authorization of a new flavoring substance, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, for use in food
• The authorization of a substance for use in food contact materials—phosphoric acid, mixed esters with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMAP)—to be used in the manufacture of acrylic kitchen worktops and sinks
• The new authorization of genetically modified GMB151 soybean
• The new authorization of genetically modified GHB811 cotton for food and feed uses
• The new authorization of genetically modified maize DP4114 x MON 810 x MIR604 x NK603
• An extension for the approved uses of oligo-isomaltose (IMO) as a novel food to include 15 additional food categories, as well as supplements
• The new authorization of magnesium L-threonate monohydrate as a novel food in food supplements.

FSA is also proposing the removal of eight flavoring substances, as they are not widely used and industry declined to provide the additional data required for FSA to complete their safety reevaluations:

• 2-Phenylpent-2-enal (FL No. 05.175)
• 2-Phenyl-4-methyl-2-hexenal (FL No. 05.222)
• 2-(sec-Butyl)-4,5-dimethyl-3-thiazoline (FL No. 15.029)
• 4,5-Dimethyl-2-ethyl-3-thiazoline (FL No. 15.030)
• 2,4-Dimethyl-3-thiazoline (FL No. 15.060)
• 2-Isobutyl-3-thiazoline (FL No. 15.119)
• 5-Ethyl-4-methyl-2-(2-methylpropyl)-thiazoline (FL No. 15.130)
• 5-Ethyl-4-methyl-2-(2-butyl)-thiazoline (FL No. 15.131).

The public consultation can be accessed via FSA and is open for comment until February 19, 2025.