On August 19, 2026, the U.S. Federal Register Vol. 91, No. 159 published notices announcing the acceptance of three food color additive petitions. At the same time, the WTO issued SPS notifications G/SPS/N/USA/3592, G/SPS/N/USA/3594, and G/SPS/N/USA/3595. The three petitions concern safflower extract, gardenia (genipin) blue, and acetone as a processing solvent for carrot oil, respectively. All three applications are currently under technical review.

As a leading global product safety and regulatory compliance consulting agency, CIRS Group has long specialized in food, feed, pet food, synthetic biology ingredients, etc. CIRS Group has established a robust global service network covering China, the United States, the European Union, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and other major international markets.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/196 has applied across the European Union since 18 August 2026, changing permitted uses and purity specifications for carrageenan (E 407), locust bean gum (E 410), guar gum (E 412), gum arabic (E 414), xanthan gum (E 415), pectins (E 440) and starch sodium octenyl succinate (E 1450). The measure directly affects food additive suppliers and food manufacturers. Its most detailed controls focus on foods for infants, young children and special medical purposes.

China NHC issued notifications regarding the acceptance of “three new foods”. The applications for 3 new food materials and 1 new food additive have been received.

Recently, China's National Health Commission (NHC) issued notifications regarding the approval and review of “Three new foods” (new food raw materials, new food additives, and new food-related products). The notifications included 17 notifications of extension notice.

Recently, China's National Health Commission (NHC) issued notifications regarding the approval and review of “Three new foods” (new food raw materials, new food additives, and new food-related products).

China's NHC issued notifications regarding the acceptance of “three new foods”. The applications for five new food materials, two new food additives, and five new food-related products have been received.

The FDA is issuing a final order revoking the authorized use of Orange Bas a color additive in food and is proposing to revoke the authorized use of Citrus Red No.2 as a color additive in food.

In H1 2026, the EU approved 8 food additive modifications, validated 5 dossiers, and published 9 scientific opinions. While new plant- and microorganism-derived additives are gaining interest, modification requests remain dominant. Amid strict upcoming EFSA guidance revisions, applicants must ensure complete, robust dossiers to ensure efficient market authorization.

On July 15, 2026, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) issued 3 new food additives for public comments, including 1 food additive with expanded application scope and 2 food additives with supplementary quality specification. Comments are welcomed before August 14,, 2026.